Growing number of foreigners tap NPS loophole for lifetime pensions
A growing number of foreign residents in Korea who have contributed to the National Pension Service (NPS) for only short periods are using a loophole in the retroactive payment system to secure old-age pension benefits, with Chinese nationals accounting for a significant share of such cases, insiders at the state pension operator said Friday. The cases are fueling scrutiny of the scheme, which…
An increasing number of foreign residents in South Korea, particularly Chinese nationals, are exploiting a loophole in the National Pension Service's (NPS) retroactive payment system to obtain lifetime pension benefits, according to insiders at the state pension operator. The issue has sparked concerns over the system, which was initially designed to provide pension coverage for individuals with gaps in their work history.
Under the existing rules, pension eligibility requires a minimum of 10 years, or 120 months, of contributions. However, the back-payment system allows those who were exempt from paying premiums for specific periods to make up those missed premiums through a lump sum payment. The payments are then incorporated into their contribution history.
The retroactive payment system was initiated in 1999 to assist people in preserving their pension rights following career interruptions due to factors such as unemployment, marriage, childbirth, and other circumstances. However, the loophole has enabled a growing number of foreign residents, primarily Chinese nationals, to secure old-age pension benefits despite having contributed for shorter durations.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Growing number of foreigners tap NPS loophole for lifetime pensions koreatimes.co.kr
