India is set to sign a series of Social Security Agreements with foreign countries for securing a better deal for Indian nationals working abroad. Government has already approved signing of agreements with Germany, Netherlands, Oman and Bahrain. These agreements are to be signed next month.

India is set to sign a series of Social Security Agreements with foreign countries for securing a better deal for Indian nationals working abroad. Government has already approved signing of agreements with Germany, Netherlands, Oman and Bahrain. These agreements are to be signed next month.

An agreement with France is likely to come up for the approval of the Union Cabinet soon. Negotiations are currently being carried on for conclusion of an agreement with Switzerland.

Discussions are scheduled with Norway and Sweden in coming days. India has already signed a Social Security Agreement with Belgium.

Bilateral social security agreements with these countries can protect the interests of Indian professionals by securing exemption from social security contribution in case of short-term contracts (provided the worker is covered under the Indian social security system and continues to pay his contribution to the Indian system during the period of contract).