UK Updates Social Security Agreements Impacting Migrants

The United Kingdom Government published an updated list on 7 July 2026, detailing countries with reciprocal social security agreements. This update has significant implications for workers and migrants between the UK and these nations.

The agreements dictate how social security contributions and benefit entitlements are managed for individuals living or working across borders. While the UK has established arrangements with countries like Ireland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, it lacks such agreements with Ghana and Kenya.

Consequently, workers from these nations, as well as British nationals relocating there, do not benefit from formal coordination of social security entitlements. The nature of these agreements varies; for instance, Chile, India, Japan, and South Korea are categorized under Double Contribution Conventions, which only prevent dual social security contributions without addressing benefits entitlement.

For Nigerians and other Africans in the UK, the absence of a reciprocal agreement means their contributions may not be recognized in their home countries, affecting pension eligibility and access to state benefits.