Draft EOBI Bill 2026 Proposes Wider Pension Coverage for Self-Employed and Overseas Pakistanis

A draft Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Bill 2026 proposes a major expansion of pension coverage to groups that have traditionally remained outside the standard EOBI system.

The draft text published by the Centre for Labour Research includes provisions relating to self-employed people, overseas Pakistani workers, informal workers, domestic workers, agricultural workers, street vendors and homemakers.

The proposals overlap with the government’s separate voluntary pension plan for informal workers and the 2026 policy commitment to an EOBI pension scheme for overseas Pakistanis.

Important: this is a draft proposal

The document should not be confused with an enacted law. The proposals described below would only become binding if they complete the required legislative process and are formally brought into force.

Who could be covered under the proposal?

The draft proposes voluntary participation for several groups, including self-employed persons, overseas Pakistani workers, informal workers and homemakers.

It also proposes wider mandatory coverage for establishments, including a lower employee threshold than the existing framework described in current EOBI guidance.

What contribution rate is proposed?

For voluntary participants such as self-employed persons and overseas Pakistani workers, the draft text proposes a monthly contribution equal to 6% of the prescribed contribution base.

This figure is part of the draft and should not be treated as a currently payable rate for new voluntary categories unless officially enacted and notified.

Could overseas Pakistanis receive pension benefits?

The draft includes overseas Pakistani workers among people who could voluntarily join and become eligible for old-age benefits after meeting the required conditions.

It also contains language supporting payment of benefits to eligible beneficiaries residing outside Pakistan through official banking channels. Existing overseas pensioners can separately review the Proof of Life and NADRA verification update.

What about homemakers and informal workers?

The proposal is notable because it specifically mentions homemakers, including housewives, as well as domestic workers, home-based workers, agricultural workers and street vendors.

If enacted in this form, it would represent a substantial expansion of Pakistan’s contributory pension coverage.

Does the bill change current EOBI pension rules today?

No. Existing EOBI rules remain applicable unless and until new legislation is passed and implemented.

Workers should not change their contribution arrangements based solely on a draft bill.

Why the proposal matters

The draft reflects a broader policy direction already visible in 2026 government discussions: extending retirement protection beyond formal salaried employment.

Related EOBI Updates

Compare the draft proposals with the overseas Pakistanis EOBI pension policy, the voluntary pension scheme discussions, and the latest EOBI coverage expansion update.

Final words

The draft EOBI Bill 2026 contains potentially significant reforms, but readers should treat them as proposals, not current law. eobipensions.pk will report any official parliamentary or government action that changes the legal position.

Source: Draft Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Bill 2026 published by the Centre for Labour Research.