A bilateral social security treaty regulating the mutual relations in the field of social security has been signed between Belgium and India on 3 November 2006.

According to our informal contacts, the ratification procedure is in its last stage and the treaty will (almost certainly) come into force on 1 September 2009.

Provisions are laid down in the treaty for determining the applicable social security legislation in Indian – Belgian international employment situations.

As a general rule, the work state principle applies, implying that an employee carrying out activities in one state is subject to the social security legislation of that country. However, employees seconded to and from India shall be subject (only) to the home social security scheme, provided that their secondment is not expected to exceed five years.