top of page
Writer's pictureJenny Hunt

New Unemployment Insurance Scheme, For Citizens & Residents, Coming To The UAE

20th May 2022

As part of its ongoing strategy to position the UAE as a top destination to live and work, the country is introducing a new unemployment insurance scheme at the start of next year. Under the new scheme, which will be mandatory, anyone losing their job will get a basic monthly payment for a limited period, to help with living costs whilst they look for a new job.


Whilst, all the specific details are yet to be confirmed, here is what we know so far:


Who will be eligible for the UAE's unemployment insurance scheme?

  • Emiratis and expats, over 18, on permanent contracts working in the public sector

  • Emiratis and expats, over 18 on permanent contracts working in the private sector


Who will not be covered by the UAE's unemployment insurance scheme?

  • Investors

  • Domestic workers

  • Individuals working on temporary contracts

  • Under 18s

  • Retired individuals who are receiving a pension, but have stepped back into the workforce


How much will the UAE's unemployment insurance scheme cost?

Every employee will be required to pay into the new scheme, which will be insurance company-based. Employees will be able to choose their preferred insurance package via existing insurance companies in the UAE. Whilst, the amount to be paid is not yet known, it is understood that it is not intended to be a financial burden to employees. According to The National, payments will be as low as AED40-AED100 for a basic plan.


How much money will claimants receive each month?

Anyone needing to claim unemployment support payments will receive approximately 60% of their basic salary, up to a maximum of AED20,000, per month. However, this will ultimately be dependent upon the level of insurance cover chosen by individuals.


How long can claimants receive unemployment insurance payments?

The payments will be for a limited period. We believe this will be a period of up to six months, but it is yet to be confirmed.


If the claimant starts a new job within the determined period, the social support payments will stop when the new jobs starts. However, if the claimant is unable to secure a new position within the period, the social support payments will stop at the end of the limited period.


What are the benefits of the unemployment insurance scheme for employees?

  • Financial safety net whilst searching for a new job following an involuntary termination

  • Financial peace of mind with a minimal investment


What are the benefits of the unemployment insurance scheme for employers?

  • Unemployment support will enhance the attractiveness of the UAE's working environment making it easier for companies to recruit top talent from around the world.


This latest announcement follows the recent restructuring of UAE residency visas, which is intended to provide more flexibility and stability to expats residing in the UAE.


We will continue to follow developments as they are announced later in the year and provide updates, accordingly.


Request a call back for Gateway Group to register your company and provide visa services in the UAE . Click the button.



Gateway Group Of Companies - Why We Exist

The Gateway Group Of Companies helps organizations to mitigate the risks of getting licensed to do business in the UAE. We were established back in 2014 to provide no-nonsense, transparent and well communicated services, as a result of witnessing the troubles companies encountered during their company formation in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.


Establishing a presence in the UAE doesn't need to be difficult, providing you engage the right expertise at the outset. We are just like you - we have invested our own money to establish our businesses in the UAE, so unlike a sales team, we understand and can empathize with the anxieties and risks of doing business overseas and the implications of making the wrong decisions. We are best positioned to provide, on-the-ground, practical advice from first hand experience. Hence, our services are designed to give you full control of your business, protect your assets and keep your profits. After all, this is exactly what we want for our own businesses too.


Our core values are Honesty, Trust & Integrity.


Gateway Group Of Companies

☎️ +971 600 567562

_____________________________


Written by Jenny Hunt, Founding Partner & Strategic Advisor to the Gateway Group of Companies, Abu Dhabi & Dubai UAE

FORBES' Top 100 Most Influential Women in the Middle East

 

Gateway Group - We're Pretty Good At What We Do


Top 25 Abu Dhabi Blogs And Websites - Feedspot (Ranked 7th, 16th May 2022)

Corporate LiveWire

Best On-Shore Business Sponsorship Services - UAE 2021

MEA Markets

Most Client-Focused Company Formation Specialists - UAE 2021

MEA Markets










Blog Categories
bottom of page