Struggling with ESIC: How to Handle Zero Employee Returns When Abroad?

Hi all, I started a sole proprietor firm in 2017. Due to losses, I had to close the business. All the employees have left. I have sent a letter to ESIC to surrender my ESIC code, but there is no response from them yet. I am not able to file zero returns as there are no employees. If I upload an empty contribution spreadsheet in ESIC monthly contributions, it is throwing an error. Do I need to file returns if there are zero employees? Will ESIC consider me a defaulter if I don't file monthly contributions because no one is currently employed in the firm? I am not able to visit them in person now as I am working abroad. Please advise.

Thanks,
Srini

Did you select the reason for zero salary and zero attendance as "left service"? If not, please do that and then upload.

I have entered the last date for all employees, and currently, there are 0 employees listed in the ESIC portal. Do I still need to file monthly contributions? Currently, I am not able to file nil returns as I don't have any employees listed. Please advise.

Filing NIL Returns and Surrendering RC

Till the RC is surrendered, you are expected to file NIL returns. However, under the online system, once you have marked 'left' for all employees, you cannot upload any return of contribution. Doing so would end the process. At the same time, you can also send an email to the concerned Sub-Regional Office stating that the unit has been closed, and the RC has been surrendered.