India and Italy have signed a social security agreement that will benefit the citizens of both countries. The agreement was signed during the G20 Labour and Employment ministers’ meeting in Italy and aims to strengthen the social security systems of both countries.
The agreement will benefit Indian nationals who are working in Italy and Italian nationals who are working in India. It will also cover the dependents of these workers, providing access to social security benefits and protection of their rights while they are working abroad.
The social security agreement will allow Indian nationals to continue to contribute to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) while working in Italy. The EPFO is a social security organization that provides retirement, survivor and disability benefits to its members. Indian nationals will also be able to avail of the coverage provided by the National Pension System (NPS) in Italy.
Italian nationals who are working in India will be covered under the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act of India, which provides benefits such as provident fund, pension and insurance. They will also have access to medical benefits under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) scheme.
The social security agreement between India and Italy also provides for the payment of benefits to eligible individuals even if they have relocated to another country. This will ensure that the social security benefits that are due to individuals will not be forfeited due to their relocation.
The agreement is expected to boost bilateral relations between India and Italy and enhance cooperation in the economic and social sectors. It will also facilitate the movement of skilled professionals between the two countries.
In conclusion, the India-Italy social security agreement is a welcome development that will provide social security benefits and protection to workers from both countries. The agreement is also expected to strengthen bilateral ties and promote economic and social cooperation between India and Italy.