India and the United Kingdom on Tuesday signed a major social security agreement aimed at ending double contributions for employees on short-term overseas assignments, a move expected to benefit nearly 75,000 Indian professionals working in Britain.
The pact will allow workers posted for up to three years to avoid paying social security in both countries, easing financial pressure on employees and companies and strengthening business ties between the two nations.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
END TO DOUBLE PAYMENTS FOR WORKERS
Under the agreement, employees from India and the UK on temporary assignments of up to 36 months will no longer be required to make social security contributions in both countries.
“The agreement seeks to avoid double social security contributions for employees of both countries on temporary assignments in each other’s territories for periods of up to 36 months,” the MEA said.
“The agreement will support mobility and continued social security coverage of the employees on short-term overseas assignments,” the ministry added.
The pact is expected to bring significant relief to Indian companies operating in the UK, particularly major IT firms such as Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys.
These companies frequently send skilled employees to Britain for short-term projects. Until now, such workers and employers often had to contribute to both Indian and UK social security systems.
“This will enhance India-UK partnerships in the service sector, leveraging the high skills and innovative service sectors of both countries,” the MEA said.
The social security agreement forms part of the broader India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed in July last year.
At the time of the CETA signing, both governments had committed to concluding a separate pact on social security.
“The agreement forms part of India’s trade deal with the UK and shall come into effect together with the CETA, planned for implementation during the first half of the current year,” the MEA said.
Officials believe the combined impact of the trade deal and the social security pact will deepen economic integration and encourage greater movement of skilled workers.
COVERAGE CERTIFICATES ESSENTIAL FOR WORKERS
To benefit from the agreement, eligible employees will be required to obtain Certificates of Coverage, which confirm that they are exempt from making dual payments.
“The signed agreement will be hosted on the website of the Ministry of External Affairs and the website of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation for the information of the stakeholders so that they can secure Certificates of Coverage to avoid making double social security contributions,” the ministry said.
Officials estimate that around 75,000 Indian workers are likely to benefit from the agreement in the coming years, particularly those employed in IT, engineering, consultancy and financial services.
– Ends
Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Feb 11, 2026
