Government rolls back restrictions on early withdrawal from provident fund

In February 2016, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India had made amendments in the Employees Provident Fund Scheme, 1952 restricting the early withdrawal from the provident fund. This notification was effective from 10 February, 2016.

Considering the representations received from various quarters and after consultations with the various stakeholders, the Ministry has decided to withdraw the said notification. This would mean that a member who ceases to be in employment and continues to be not employed with a covered establishment for at least two months is permitted to withdraw the full amount standing to his credit.
International Workers from a country with which India does not have a social security agreement in force shall continued to be governed by the special provisions applicable to them and accordingly they shall be able to withdraw the provident fund money on attaining the age of 58 years or retirement from the establishment, whichever is later.