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Universal Pensions in Mauritius: Lessons for the Rest of Us

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  • Larry Willmore

    (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis)

Abstract

That the Government of Mauritius provides nearly every resident over the age of 60 with a non-contributory, basic pension is one of the best-kept secrets in the world. The scheme dates from 1950 and became universal in 1958, following abolition of a means test. Remarkably, introduction of a compulsory, contributory scheme for workers in the private sector appears to have strengthened the non-contributory regime without affecting its universality. This paper examines the past and future of non-contributory, universal pensions in Mauritius, and draws lessons that might be useful for other countries, especially those in the developing world. United Nations DESA Discussion Paper No.32, April 2003.

Suggested Citation

  • Larry Willmore, 2004. "Universal Pensions in Mauritius: Lessons for the Rest of Us," Public Economics 0412003, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:wpa:wuwppe:0412003
    Note: Type of Document - pdf; pages: 23
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    File URL: https://econwpa.ub.uni-muenchen.de/econ-wp/pe/papers/0412/0412003.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mr. N. A. Barr, 2000. "Reforming Pensions: Myths, Truths, and Policy Choices," IMF Working Papers 2000/139, International Monetary Fund.
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    1. The Time is Ripe for Means-Testing
      by fazeer in an economist in paradise on 2008-03-12 21:01:35

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    Cited by:

    1. Willmore, Larry, 2007. "Universal Pensions for Developing Countries," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 35(1), pages 24-51, January.
    2. repec:ilo:ilowps:468575 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Jean-Jacques Dethier & Pierre Pestieau & Rabia Ali, 2011. "The impact of a minimum pension on old age poverty and its budgetary cost. Evidence from Latin America," Revista de Economía del Rosario, Universidad del Rosario, November.
    4. Larry Willmore, 2004. "Universal Pensions in Low Income Countries," Public Economics 0412002, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. Miguel Niño-Zarazúa & Armando Barrientos & David Hulme & Sam Hickey, 2010. "Social protection in sub-Saharan Africa: Will the green shoots blossom?," Global Development Institute Working Paper Series 11610, GDI, The University of Manchester.
    6. Palacios, Robert & Sluchynsky, Oleksiy, 2006. "Social pensions Part I : their role in the overall pension system," Social Protection Discussion Papers and Notes 36237, The World Bank.
    7. Sarfati, Hedva. & Ghellab, Youcef., 2012. "The political economy of pension reforms in times of global crisis : state unilateralism or social dialogue?," ILO Working Papers 994685753402676, International Labour Organization.
    8. Niño-Zarazúa, Miguel & Barrientos, Armando & Hickey, Samuel & Hulme, David, 2012. "Social Protection in Sub-Saharan Africa: Getting the Politics Right," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 40(1), pages 163-176.
    9. Montserrat Pallares-Miralles & Carolina Romero & Edward Whitehouse, 2012. "A Worldwide Overview of Facts and Figures," World Bank Publications - Reports 11891, The World Bank Group.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    public pensions; social security; means test; targeting; demographic ageing; Mauritius;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions

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