Govt tightens PF norms for overseas workers in India

India has tightened norms for withdrawal of provident fund by overseas workers employed in the country, prohibiting them from taking back this money until they are 58 years old or are incapacitated.

"An international worker may withdraw the full amount standing to his credit in the Fund : a) on retirement of services in the establishment at any time after the attainment of 58 years, b) on retirement on account of permanent and total in capacity for work due to bodily or mental infirmity," said an amendment carried out by the Labour Ministry.

However, analysts said that these norms have been tightened for those countries that don't have social security agreements (SSA) with India and the move may prompt them to go in for such pacts.

India has such agreements with 11 countries, but they are effective only with Germany and Belgium.