The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Social Services
Australia has today signed a social security agreement with the Government of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay.
The agreement will improve access to certain Australian and Uruguayan social security benefits for eligible people who have lived or worked in both countries, boosting flexibility and choice for individuals upon retirement.
It marks an important step in deepening the Australia-Uruguay relationship, while also promoting greater investment and trade between the two countries.
Today in Parliament House, the agreement was signed by the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek, on behalf of the Australian Government, and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Valeria Csukasi, on behalf of the Government of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay.
The agreement will now be tabled in both Houses of Parliament and is expected to come into effect in 2026, subject to the completion of all relevant treaty and legislative processes in both countries.
Negotiations to establish social security agreements are currently ongoing with Sweden, Brazil, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lithuania and Mongolia.
Australia currently has 32 international social security agreements in place. More information is available on the Department of Social Services website.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek:
"There are nearly 10,000 people living in Australia who have Uruguayan ancestry, and this measure will help strengthen the ties between our two countries.
"We live in a global world, and it's through agreements like this that we ensure people who have lived and worked outside of their home country can still access their social security entitlements when they retire."
Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite:
"This is an important step in further strengthening the relationship between Australia and Uruguay. Australia has a significant and growing Latin American community, and this agreement with Uruguay reflects our deepening engagement in this important region. It will help support people who live and work across both countries, while also encouraging closer economic and cultural ties."
Quotes attributable to the Ambassador of Uruguay to Australia, Her Excellency Mrs Dianela Pi:
"Uruguay welcomes the signing of this important agreement and considers it another step towards the strengthening of the historical friendly ties with Australia.
"We are convinced that this bilateral Social Security Agreement would bring multiple benefits to citizens of both countries. It would be effective in strengthening people-to-people links and in reducing business costs, which would promote new bilateral trade and investment opportunities, being then an excellent addition to the bilateral Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investment."