On May 1, a new multilateral agreement that provides social security benefits to migrant workers and their families in eight countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Spain, Paraguay, and Portugal) entered into force. These countries are members of the Ibero-American Social Security Association (OISS), an organization made up of the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries in Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and Andorra. Although 16 other member countries have not yet ratified the agreement, a minimum of 7 countries was required for the agreement to be implemented. (The remaining countries are expected to ratify the agreement soon.)

Under the agreement, migrant workers (employees and the self-employed) who have worked in multiple countries covered by the agreement but do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements for a social security benefit (old-age, survivors, disability, and work injury) in any one country may qualify for a benefit based on their combined contributions across participating countries. The agreement does not apply to noncontributory or social assistance benefits. In addition, the Technical Administrative Committee, made up of representatives and technical advisors (if needed) from each of the signatory countries, will: (1) ensure that the agreement is carried out uniformly among the countries; (2) resolve administrative questions; (3) promote and develop collaboration among the countries; and (4) promote the use of new technologies, such as modernizing procedures and adapting the electronic exchange of information.

Source: "Convenio Multilateral Iberoamiercano de Seguridad Social," el 10 de noviembre de 2007; "Ibero-American Multilateral Agreement," International Update, December 2007, US Social Security Administration; "Convenio Multilateral Iberoamericano de Seguridad Social Entrará en Vigor el 1 de mayo de 2011," FIAP Boletín, Abril 2011; Government of Spain press release, April 30, 2011; "International Headlines," Mercer, May 11, 2011.

Implementation date: 05.2011