IT companies can outsource their overseas jobs to units in the special economic zones, a move that will help SEZs become BPO centres. “IT units in the domestic tariff area can carry out their jobs in SEZ units,” the commerce ministry said in a communication to the SEZ development commissioners.
The government has also allowed employees of IT units in SEZs to work from home or off-site locations. “Off-site employees of SEZs may be permitted to work from home or from place outside the SEZ,” the letter dated May 21 said.
Earlier, this relaxation was given to only “de-capacitated” employees or those who are travelling.
The decision comes following representations from IT companies and professionals, SEZ developers and other stakeholders.
Industry people said with the flexibility, employees would be able to attend customer problems even when they are away from SEZs.
Allowing of authorized employees of IT/ITES units in SEZ to work from Home
Instruction No. 58, dated 21-5-2010
In partial modification of the Instruction No. 55 dated 5th May, 2010 issued by the Department of Commerce on the above mentioned subject, this is to clarify that off-site employees of SEZ may be permitted to work from home or from place outside the SEZ subject to the same conditions as prescribed in the instruction.
2. IT units in DTA can carry out their job-work in a SEZ unit by following the procedure as laid down in Rule 43, of SEZ Rules 2006.
