Draft Accord Submitted to Sejm
A draft of the social security agreement between Poland and India was submitted to the Sejm and is now under consideration for ratification. While the treaty promises expanded pension access for Indian residents in Poland (and Poles in India), it has already sparked controversy over several provisions.
What the Agreement Covers
Signed in November 2024 by both governments, the accord – parliamentary approval – aims to consolidate insurance periods in both countries, prevent double contributions, and recognise work history across borders Upon ratification – expected to enter into force about 14 days after Sejm approval as per Bill No. 1173 introduced in April 2025 — benefits would include:
- Old‑age pensions,
- Disability and survivors’ pensions,
- Compensation for occupational accidents and diseases,
- Funeral allowances.
Pension Privileges Raising Eyebrows
The most contentious clause allows an Indian citizen who makes even one social security contribution in Poland to qualify for the Polish minimum pension-currently PLN 1,878.91 gross (women at 60, men at 65) – if they also supply documented work periods totalling the required domestic service (20 years for women, 25 for men), possibly accumulated entirely in India
Experts warn that ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) accepts foreign employment records without robust verification, making the rule vulnerable to abuse
Exploding Numbers and Budget Strain
Foreign pension uptake in Poland has soared: by December 2024, over 20,000 foreigners were receiving ZUS pensions and disability benefits – costing about PLN 27.6 million monthly (~PLN 330 million/year) – up from roughly 15,300 in 2023
Between Dec 2023 and May 2024, the number of foreign pensioners doubled from 4.9 thousand to 11.1 thousand, with monthly payments rising from PLN 3 to PLN 5.5 million (~PLN 60 million/year)
Among Indian citizens, over 21,000 were registered for pension and disability insurance by mid‑2024 – up from under 6 thousand in 2018. For context, India’s domestic minimum pension is about ₹7,500 (~PLN 315), making the Polish benefit nearly six times greater
Government Justifies the Agreement
The Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy defends the pact, noting its primary aim is to ease social insurance burdens on posted workers from Indian companies: under the accord, employees working in Poland for up to 5 years would remain insured only under Indian schemes rather than contributing to both systems
Without the agreement, these workers are obliged to enter Poland’s scheme even if their tenure is temporary, thereby earning ZUS rights regardless.
Political Fallout & Proposed Safeguards
The deal has provoked political debate: opposition from Confederation and some conservative lawmakers points to potential strain on the system. Confederation’s Michał Wawer has called for a 20‑year residency rule in Poland before foreigners can qualify for the minimum pension
Independent experts propose stricter benchmarks — proposing that guaranteed pension rights, for both Poles and foreigners, should only be granted after 35 years of contributions (possibly rising to 40–45 years) .
What Happens Next?
Bill No. 1173 is under parliamentary debate in the Sejm. If adopted, the agreement will enter into force approximately two weeks after announcement, offering Indian workers in Poland new pension rights—but not without scrutiny.
Summary Table
| Topic | Details |
| Agreement date | Signed Nov 2024; ratified pending Sejm vote (Bill 1173) |
| Key benefit | One contribution + documented Indian employment periods may qualify for Polish minimum pension |
| Polish minimum pension | PLN 1,878.91 gross (as per law) |
| Indian pension | ~PLN 315 (₹ 7,500) |
| Foreign pensioners in ZUS | Over 20,000 by Dec 2024; increasing sharply |
| Budget impact | ~PLN 27.6 m/month (~PLN 330 m/year) |
| Criticism | Calls for longer residency/work thresholds: 20+ years or 35–45 years of service |
Bottom Line
If Poland’s Sejm ratifies the social security agreement with India, some Indian nationals working in Poland could become eligible for full Polish minimum pensions – even based on minimal actual contributions in Poland. Supporters argue the pact eases the burden on multinational employers; critics warn it may strain public finances and invite misuse unless stronger contribution thresholds are introduced.
