Published: 12 February 2026MEA / DD News / KPMG / Business StandardInternational
India-UK Social Security Agreement Signed: 75,000 Indian Professionals to End Double Contributions
India and the United Kingdom signed a bilateral Social Security Agreement (SSA) on February 10, 2026, in New Delhi. The agreement was signed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on behalf of India and British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron on behalf of the UK.
The SSA eliminates dual social security contributions for employees from both countries assigned on a temporary basis (up to 36 months) to the other country. Under the new arrangement, temporarily deputed employees will contribute only to their home country's social security system, avoiding parallel contributions to both the UK's National Insurance and India's Employees' Provident Fund (EPF).
Approximately 75,000 Indian professionals — primarily in IT, engineering, and finance — are expected to benefit, along with over 900 companies. The government estimates total savings exceeding ₹4,000 crore. Employees posted in the UK can obtain a Certificate of Coverage (CoC) through EPFO or the Ministry of External Affairs.
The SSA is an integral component of the broader India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed in July 2025, and is scheduled to come into force concurrently with CETA in the first half of 2026. This agreement reflects the deepening of India-UK bilateral trade and professional mobility under the post-Brexit UK Global Talent Visa framework.
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Q: Assess the significance of the India-UK Social Security Agreement signed in February 2026 for Indian professionals and India-UK economic relations under CETA.
Answer (50 words):
India-UK signed a Social Security Agreement on 10 February 2026 by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and High Commissioner Lindy Cameron. It eliminates dual EPF and National Insurance contributions for about 75,000 Indian professionals on UK assignments up to 36 months, saving over ₹4,000 crore across 900 companies, complementing India-UK CETA.
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Practice MCQ from this story
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Linked questionMedium
What is the main purpose of the India-UK Social Security Agreement relating to social security contributions?
Explanation · Correct answer AThe India-UK agreement on social security contributions is designed to prevent eligible workers on temporary cross-border assignments from paying social security contributions in both countries for the same period. It is linked to labour mobility under the broader India-UK trade framework, but it does not replace visa, income-tax or pension-fund rules.
Frequently asked questions
What is the India-UK Social Security Agreement (SSA) signed in 2026?
The India-UK SSA was signed on February 10, 2026, eliminating the requirement for Indian professionals on short-term UK assignments (up to 36 months) to contribute simultaneously to both India's EPF and the UK's National Insurance. It is part of the broader India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed in July 2025.
Who benefits from the India-UK SSA and what are the estimated savings?
Approximately 75,000 Indian professionals—mainly IT and consulting workers on short-term UK postings—will benefit from the SSA. The elimination of double contributions is estimated to save over ₹4,000 crore, significantly reducing the financial burden on workers and their employers.
Who signed the India-UK SSA and in what context was it signed?
The SSA was signed by India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron. It forms a key labour mobility component of the India-UK CETA, a comprehensive trade deal signed in July 2025 aimed at deepening economic ties between the two nations.
With how many countries does India have Social Security Agreements, and which are some notable ones?
India has SSAs with over 20 countries. Notable partners include Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. These agreements protect Indian workers abroad from the financial burden of contributing to social security systems in both India and the host country simultaneously.
What was the problem of 'double contribution' that the India-UK SSA resolves?
Before the SSA, Indian professionals working in the UK on short-term assignments were legally required to contribute to both India's EPF and the UK's National Insurance scheme simultaneously. This double burden reduced take-home pay significantly and was a major deterrent for Indian professionals taking up UK postings. The SSA exempts such workers from UK National Insurance contributions for up to 36 months.
