Facing Dual Employment Issues Due to Wrong Exit Date: How Can I Resolve This with My Former Employer?

I joined a company on August 19, 2019 (for reference, I'll call this company "A"). However, I left the company during the training period because it was located far away and there was no transportation available for the night shifts. I spoke with HR and decided to submit my resignation. The HR accepted my resignation on a white sheet of paper (not via the official email address). This was my second job, so I wasn't fully aware that I should have submitted my resignation through email. I left the company on September 4, 2019, which was my last day in the office. Later, on October 7, 2019, I joined another company (Company "B").

During the COVID period, I lost my offer letter from Company "A" and didn't pay much attention to my PF service history. Recently, I discovered that Company "A" marked my exit date as November 4, 2019, which overlaps with my joining date at Company "B" (October 7, 2019). This dual employment issue is now making me anxious, especially since I am applying to good MNCs, and this issue could be problematic. It wasn't my fault, and Company "A" continued to contribute to my PF from September to November 2019. For November 2019, the PF amount is ₹84.

I also lost access to my old email ID (which was hacked and deleted in 2020) that was registered with Company "A". This issue is causing me significant stress about my career, as many good MNCs might not hire me due to dual employment concerns. How can I fix this issue? If you need more clarification, please let me know, and I will provide additional details. I had a word with the Company A HR (from a different process). She checked my details on the company portal, and after checking the details, she informed me that I was marked absconded. I was shocked. I told her that I gave my resignation as per the HR instruction (who was there in 2019). I don't even remember her name because I was with Company A for 12-13 days. It's been more than 6 years, and I don't remember any people (like the HR, trainer). So, I am facing issues with the dual employment and absconding case. I am not in good financial condition right now as well. I was dependent on my new job, for which I have studied a lot, and I have already left my company in Dec 2024. I would like to know if this grievance really works because I have checked online and watched YouTube videos on how to fix this issue. A major chunk of people said your ex-employer can do that. I am also confused with this process as well. Can you tell me how it actually works?

You're facing two main issues here:
Wrong Exit Date Leading to Dual Employment Issue
Absconding Status in Company A's Records

Steps to Fix This:

1. File a Grievance with EPFO (for the wrong exit date)
Since the exit date is incorrect in your PF records, you can raise a grievance on the EPFO portal to have it corrected. Follow these steps:
Visit the EPFO Grievance Portal: https://epfigms.gov.in/
Click on Register Grievance
Select "PF Member" as your category
Provide your UAN (Universal Account Number)
Select "PF Withdrawal/Transfer Issue" as the grievance type
Clearly explain the issue:
Mention that Company A wrongly marked your exit date as November 4, 2019, whereas you actually left on September 4, 2019.
Mention that you resigned with HR's approval (though on paper and not via email) and were not absconding.
Highlight that Company A continued PF contributions even after your actual exit, which is the root cause of this problem.
Request EPFO to validate the correct exit date based on actual working records (salary, attendance, etc.).

🔹 Attach Supporting Documents:
Salary slips (if available) from August–September 2019.
Any communication (email, SMS, WhatsApp) with HR during that period.
Bank statements showing no salary credited after September 2019 (this helps prove your last working day).
A self-declaration letter explaining the situation.

2. Approach Company A's HR for Correction
Since one HR has already checked your details and said you were marked absconded, you need to push for further escalation.
Contact Company A's HR (preferably Payroll/Exit Management Team).
Request them to correct the exit date and remove the absconding status.
If they refuse, ask for an official explanation in writing—this will help in your EPFO grievance.
If possible, try to reach out to a senior HR or a former colleague who can help you get in touch with the right team.

3. Legal Option (If the Employer Doesn't Cooperate)
If Company A refuses to correct it, you can:
Send a legal notice to the HR/payroll team requesting the correction.
File a complaint with Labour Commissioner (this is a stronger step if they don't respond).

4. Clarify the Dual Employment Issue with Future Employers
Since you did not actually work at two places at the same time, you can clarify this with future employers:
If asked about this during background verification, explain the incorrect exit date issue and show your EPFO grievance (if filed).
Highlight that the PF contribution was done without your knowledge, and you had no control over it.
Provide supporting documents (joining date at Company B, salary slips, etc.) to prove there was no real overlap.

Does This Grievance Process Work?
Yes, many employees have successfully corrected wrong exit dates through EPFO grievances. However:
If Company A cooperates, it will be faster (around 2–4 weeks).
If only EPFO handles it, it can take 2–3 months but still gets resolved.

Steps to Resolve Dual Employment and Absconding Issues

1. Contact HR at Company A to clarify your resignation status and request a correction from "absconded" to "resigned."

2. Ask HR to send you an official email confirming the updated resignation date and status change.

3. Gather evidence of your resignation, such as written communication, attendance records, or any relevant documents.

4. Once HR confirms, contact EPFO and explain the overlapping employment issue, providing necessary documents.

5. Submit your resignation letter and HR's email to EPFO to correct your Provident Fund records.

6. If HR is uncooperative, file a grievance with the Labor Commissioner through the Shram Suvidha Portal.

7. Keep records of all communication with HR, EPFO, and other relevant parties for future reference.

8. In job applications, be transparent about the dual employment issue and provide supporting documentation.

9. Explain the situation in interviews to avoid confusion and assure employers of the issue's resolution.

10. Take quick action to resolve the issue and avoid career setbacks.