How to preserve your pension and seniority abroad – expert advice
Sergey Korobkin, an independent expert on pension provision, explained how Ukrainians working abroad do not lose their pension and seniority. Recently, more than 6 million Ukrainians have emigrated due to Russian aggression. About half of them were able to find work, and 14% became pensioners. Thus, the question arises about taking into account the length of service and receiving pensions for Ukrainians working abroad.
Existing international pension agreements between Ukraine and several other countries (Poland, the Czech Republic, Spain, and others) resolve this issue on the principle of distributing seniority. Under these agreements, each state pays a pension for the period while a person worked on its territory. However, such agreements have not been concluded with all countries, for example, with Germany.
“Now the Pension Fund can see data from the border service, migration service, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and monitor all retired pensioners who have not reported themselves in time,” the expert noted.
Changes in Ukrainian legislation allow taking into account foreign experience for receiving a pension even in countries without relevant agreements. However, it is important to first undergo annual identification, otherwise the pension payment may be suspended. Relevant documents are required for official recognition of border experience, and at the moment the mechanism for confirming this experience has not yet been fully developed.
