Mongolia and Australia Agree to Begin Negotiations for a “Social Protection Agreement”
The Government of Mongolia
has been actively working on protecting the rights and interests of Mongolian
citizens living abroad by establishing bilateral social protection agreements
with countries where large numbers of Mongolians live and work. In a
significant development, Mongolia and the Commonwealth of Australia have agreed
to initiate negotiations for a “Social Protection Agreement.”
Once finalized, the
agreement will provide citizens who move between the two countries with more
flexibility and options when applying for pensions. It will also reduce
business costs and create opportunities for increased trade and investment
between Mongolia and Australia. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation
between the social protection sectors of the two nations and strengthen the
ties between their citizens, contributing to broader bilateral relations.
Australia’s Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, emphasized that the
agreement will deepen the relationship and cooperation between Mongolia and
Australia. It will also provide citizens of both countries with more freedom
and options regarding pension arrangements. In addition, the agreement will
benefit businesses and individuals operating in both nations.
As of this year, over
22,000 Mongolian citizens reside in Australia, including more than 6,000
students. Mongolia currently has social protection agreements with six
countries: the Russian Federation, the Republic of Korea, Hungary, the Republic
of Poland, the Republic of Turkey, and the Czech Republic. These agreements are
already being implemented.
The Ministry of Family,
Labour and Social Protection is also working on establishing social protection
agreements with the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Austria.
Additionally, the ministry is in the process of updating its agreement with the
Russian Federation and has submitted proposals for similar agreements with
Sweden, Japan, and Canada.