China on Monday released its first set of rules specifically protecting the rights and interests of workers beyond the statutory retirement age, filling a gap in the country's labor legal framework as the population ages.

The full text of the "Interim Provisions on the Protection of the Basic Rights and Interests of Over-Age Workers" was jointly issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and four other government agencies. The rules will take effect on July 1.

The provisions apply to employers that hire workers who have exceeded the statutory retirement age, as well as individuals who have retired early under relevant policies and are subsequently rehired.

Under the rules, employers are required to pay over-age workers their remuneration in full and on time, with wages set no lower than the local minimum wage standard.

The regulations also require employers to comply with statutory working hour limits and generally prohibit excessive overtime arrangements for over-age workers.

Employers must assign appropriate positions and workloads, provide workplace safety and health training, and include over-age workers in work-related injury insurance coverage.

The rules were drafted after a month-long public consultation that ended in August last year.