Koreans living for extended periods of time in Austria, Slovakia and Romania will soon be able to receive social security benefits, such as pension and health insurance.

The payments such Koreans make into national pension schemes will also be combined by the Korean government and the government of the nation in which they reside.

The Welfare Ministry said Tuesday it is signing a social security agreement to that effect with the three European nations.

The accord will take effect in Slovakia on March first of next year, while the effectuation date in the other two nations has yet to be set.

Korea has similar agreements in effect with 17 other states, including the U.S, the U.K., Germany and France.

Agreements are also in the making with Poland, the Philippines and Bulgaria. Similar negotiations are under way with seven more countries, including Switzerland.