Junior officers under the Home Affairs uniformed services will get an extension in their retirement age from Oct 1.

These officers from the Police Force, Central Narcotics Bureau, Singapore Prison Service and Singapore Civil Defence Force will retire at the age of 55, instead of 50. They may now retire at the same age as senior officers who are of higher ranks.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in extending the retirement age, said on Monday that the move will allow uniformed officers to have a longer career. "It will also allow the Home Team to tap on their knowledge, experience and expertise built up over the years," a MHA spokesman said.

Their benefits will remain the same and they will go through an annual physical test. Currently, about 180 uniformed officers reach retirement age each year, the MHA spokesman added.