For International Workers (IWs) under the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) scheme in India, the withdrawal rules differ slightly from domestic employees.
PF Withdrawal Rules for International Workers
Full Withdrawal:
An International Worker (IW) can withdraw the full PF balance only upon:
Retirement at the age of 58.
Permanent migration from India (if the Social Security Agreement (SSA) allows it).
Death (nominee/legal heir can claim).
Termination of service and inability to secure re-employment in India.
90% PF Advance Before Retirement (Domestic Employees):
Indian employees can withdraw 90% of the EPF balance after the age of 54 years, provided they have less than one year left for retirement (age 58).
Can International Workers (IW) Withdraw 90% PF Advance Before Retirement?
No, IWs are not eligible for the 90% advance withdrawal before retirement.
IWs can withdraw their PF only upon reaching 58 years of age or as per conditions defined in the applicable Social Security Agreement (SSA) between India and their home country.
Key Considerations for IW PF Withdrawal:
Social Security Agreement (SSA): If the IW's home country has an SSA with India, withdrawal conditions depend on the terms of the agreement.
Taxation: PF withdrawal may be taxable based on residency status and SSA provisions.
UAN & KYC Compliance: The IW's UAN should be active, and necessary KYC documentation must be updated for processing withdrawals.