‘International Workers’ sought to be covered under the Employees’ Provident Fund and Employees’ Pension Schemes

Modifications to the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme

Ministry of Labour, by way of notification has recently announced certain significant changes in the Employees’ Provident Fund and Employees’ Pension Schemes. The notification has broadened the ambit of both the Schemes to include certain category of Indian employees working outside India and certain expatriate employees working in India. (termed as ‘International Worker’).

As per the amendments, every International Worker employed with an establishment to whom the Schemes apply would be required to become member of the Provident Fund/Pension Schemes, unless he/she qualifies as an “Excluded Worker”. In addition to this, every employer is required to do certain statutory filings with the authorities within stipulated periods.