CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation, which read as follows:

In its previous comments, which it has been making for a number of years, the Committee pointed out that section 49 (in conjunction with section 48) of the National Insurance and Social Security (Benefits) Regulations of 1967 and section 25 of the Employment Injury (Benefits) Regulations of 1970, which deprive a beneficiary, when residing abroad, of his right to ask for his benefit to be paid directly to him at his place of residence, are contrary to the provisions of Article 5 of the Convention. In its reply, the Government stated that approval has been given for direct payment of the benefits to the claimant in the country where he is currently residing, and that corresponding amendments of the National Insurance and Social Security Act have been approved by the Government to bring it in accordance with Article 5 of the Convention, and that the procedural steps have been taken to submit these amendments to Parliament for enactment. The Committee notes this information with interestand would like the Government to provide a copy of the new provisions as soon as they are adopted. It would also appreciate receiving statistical information on the number and nationality of the beneficiaries to whom benefits are transferred abroad.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.