India, Switzerland sign social security pact

New Delhi, Sep 3 (PTI) India and Switzerland Thursday
signed a social security agreement that will benefit workers
in each other's country and provide for cooperation in areas
of labour market expansion, employment facilitation and
orderly migration.

Under the agreement, workers on short term contracts
of upto six years will not be required to make any social
security contribution in the country of employment provided
they continue to make social security payments in the country
of their origin.

"This is a major milestone. The pact is a symbol of
longstanding bilateral relationship between India and
Switzerland," Vice President and Minister of Economic Affairs
of Switzerland Doris Leuthard, who was present on the
occasion, said.

Leuthard, who is here to participate in talks on WTO
Ministerial meeting being hosted by India, said every employee
of both the countries will benefit from the pact.

The pact was signed by Secretary in Ministry of
Overseas Indian Affairs K Mohandas and Swiss Ambassador
Philippe Welti.
"The agreement will enhance cooperation on social
security between the two countries. It will facilitate the
movement of professionals between the two countries," said
Mohandas.

There are over 11,000 Indians in Switzerland and there
are over 800 Swiss nationals working in India. India has
signed similar pacts with Belgium, France and Germany in the
recent past. (More) PTI MPB
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