During the negotiations between Serbian and Australian Authorities, held in Canberra from 22 to 25 September 2015, the content of the draft social security agreement was considered in detail and final draft agreed to and initialled by the delegation leaders.
The Social Security Agreement between Serbia and Australia includes provisions concerning pension and disability insurance.
For the purpose of establishing eligibility, clauses within the agreement allow beneficiaries from both countries to combine qualifying periods (i.e. periods of insurance and residency) completed on the territories of both contracting parties, if needed. There are also clauses that allow for payment of benefits in the territory of the other Contracting Party in a convertible currency, then determination of application of legislation, as well as temporary secondment of workers in the second contracting state. Clauses relating to secondment of workers to the second contracting state, allow exemption from being subject to the legislation of the country in which the person is sent, thus avoiding payment of contributions in both countries at the same time.
As per procedure, there are a number of administrative arrangements pending, including preparation of supporting documents, signing of the agreement, followed by ratification and implementation of the agreement, on which the Embassy will inform the public in a timely manner.
The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Australia takes this opportunity to express their sincere gratitude to members of the Serbian community in Australia who have supported as well as assisted with travel and accommodation arrangements for the Serbian delegation, in order to progress the negotiations on the Social Security Agreement.