Mint Explainer: What is a social security agreement?
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. India and the UK have restarted negotiations for a free trade agreement, which had been in limbo for almost a year due to the 2024 general elections in the two countries. Besides negotiating easier market access for various goods and services, the two sides are discussing a bilateral investment treaty and a social security agreement for expatriate workers and professionals.
A social security agreement with the UK has been on the table for a few years. India has been seeking a similar agreement with the US for almost two decades, with little success. Discussions on such agreements may not be included in trade talks with the European Union as India has signed bilateral agreements with most of its members, including France and Germany.
Social security agreements, also known as double contribution convention agreements and totalization agreements, are important in an era of increased labour mobility. They protect the contributions of overseas workers to the social security schemes of host countries. The UK has committed to working out an agreement, but the US has merely said it would continue the discussions.
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