United Arab Emirates – New Insurance Scheme for Workers to Take Effect
October 19, 2018
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has announced that its new insurance scheme for foreign workers will be available from October 15, 2018.
The new scheme, announced alongside other changes on June 13, 2018, will be offered as an alternative to the existing bank guarantee system.
It is only applicable for companies operating on the mainland and registered with MOHRE, and not for companies established in free zones.
How will it work?
When an employer applies for an initial or renewal work permit, they will have the choice of either:
- purchasing workers insurance under the new scheme, for AED 60 per worker per year; or
- providing a bank guarantee of AED 3000 per worker, as under the current system.
Action Items
- Employers who may be affected by the upcoming changes are advised to contact their immigration specialist for the latest information and case-specific guidance.