Agreement on Social Security between India and Germany: Understanding its Key Highlights
India and Germany recently signed an agreement on social security to enhance bilateral cooperation and provide social security to workers of both countries. The agreement is aimed at enabling Indian and German workers to avoid double contributions to social security systems and provide them with seamless access to various benefits.
Here are some of the key highlights of the agreement:
1. Applicability
The agreement applies to Indian and German citizens, as well as their family members, who are either residing or working in the other country. It also applies to individuals working for international organizations and companies that are based in either country.
2. Social Security Programs Covered
The agreement covers the social security programs of both countries, including old-age, survivor, disability, and death benefits, as well as medical benefits such as sickness, maternity, and occupational injuries. It also covers unemployment benefits and family benefits such as child allowances.
3. Double Contributions
Under the agreement, Indian and German workers will not have to make double contributions to the social security systems of both countries. Workers will only be required to make contributions to the social security system of the country in which they are working.
4. Portability of Benefits
The agreement allows for the portability of social security benefits between India and Germany. This means that workers who have contributed to the social security system of one country can receive their benefits in the other country, provided they meet the eligibility criteria of that country.
5. Totalization Agreement
The agreement also includes a totalization agreement that provides for the aggregation of periods of social security coverage in both countries. This means that if a worker has contributed to the social security system of both countries, their periods of coverage in both countries will be added together to determine their eligibility for benefits.
6. Implementation
The agreement will be implemented in both countries through their respective social security agencies. These agencies will be responsible for processing claims and providing information to workers on their social security rights and benefits.
In conclusion, the agreement on social security between India and Germany is a significant step towards enhancing bilateral cooperation and providing social security to workers of both countries. The agreement provides for the avoidance of double contributions, the portability of benefits, and the aggregation of periods of coverage, among other benefits. This agreement will protect the rights of Indian and German workers and ensure that they receive the social security benefits they are entitled to.
