The Government of India has entered into an Agreement on Social Security with the French Republic. Following the principles of reciprocity this agreement is intended to benefit the employees and employers of both India as well as France. The Agreement has come into force w.e.f. 1s` July, 2011.
The agreement provides, inter–alia, far posting i.e. detachment up to a period of 60 months for employees of both the countries. Accordingly, the employees of one country deputed by the employer to the other country on short-term assignment for a pre-determined period of upto 60 months need not
remit Social Security contributions in that country. Thus, the employers are
saved from making double social security contributions for the same set of employees thereby enhancing the competitiveness of their products and services.
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has been identified as the Liaison Agency to implement the provisions of the Agreement in India and has been authorized to issue “Certificate of Coverage” to the employees of Indian establishments to be posted to France.
Therefore, the employers who have already deputed/ intend to depute their employees to France can avail of this facility. The application form for this purpose is available on the official website www.epfindia.gov.in. They may also contact their jurisdictional Regional Provident Fund Commissioner or the International Workers’ Unit in the Head Office at 14, Bhikaiji Cama Place, New Delhi – 110 066 for any further details.
