Changing Work From Home Rules – What Employers In SEZs Should Know

The Department of Commerce notified an amendment to the Special Economic Zone Rules, 2006 (“Rules”) on July 14, 2022. The amendment inserts a new rule (Rule 43A) which includes provisions on providing the option of work from home to the employees of units located in Special Economic Zones (“SEZ/SEZs").

Key Highlights of the amendment

• Eligible Employee: A unit of Information Technology and Information Technology enabled Services located in a Special Economic Zone (“SEZ”) can provide work from home (“WFH”) options to its employees, while units of other businesses located in an SEZ can provide WFH option to particular sections of its employees.
• Proposal: Interested units need to submit a proposal for WFH to the Development Commissioner, either through mail or a physical application with the details of the option being provided to its employees.