Zero Import Duty and Social Security Relief Boost Indian Professionals in UK

In a press interaction in Mumbai, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the India‑UK Free Trade Agreement will come into force on July 15, granting zero import tariffs on the majority of goods exported from India to Britain. This tariff waiver is expected to raise the global competitiveness of Indian products dramatically.

Goyal also explained the Double Contribution Convention, which prevents Indian employees from paying into the UK’s social security scheme while they are posted abroad for up to five years. The saved contributions will be transferred to their Provident Fund accounts in India, where they will earn an 8.25% interest rate free of tax, creating a solid financial cushion for the workforce.

The minister also visited the Shashikiran Shetty Educational Institutes, lauding its dedication to delivering high‑quality education to roughly 3,000 students, thereby fostering the next generation of skilled contributors to the Indian economy.