Approximately 14% of eligible workers have not yet signed up for the mandatory program.
Residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who were among the early subscribers to the mandatory job loss insurance in 2023 are now receiving reminders to renew their policies. A text message sent to those who enrolled on January 1, 2023, states, “Your ILOE (Involuntary Loss of Employment Insurance) policy is due for renewal on January 2, 2024. Please log in to your account… to update your details and renew your policy before expiration.”
Renewal can be completed through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s (MoHRE) digital platforms by clicking on the ‘Subscribe/Renew Here’ button. Although around 14% of eligible employees have yet to enroll in the mandatory scheme, early subscribers are now financially protected in the event of job loss. Eligibility for compensation for job loss begins for those who signed up in January 2023, and millions of residents have joined the scheme, as reported by Khaleej Times.
It’s crucial to note that individuals cannot claim compensation if they leave the country or secure a new job. MoHRE statistics indicate that over 6.7 million UAE residents have subscribed to the scheme since its implementation, with the enrollment deadline ending on October 1. Failure to sign up by this date resulted in a Dh400 fine.
Subscribers who fail to pay premiums for more than three months face a Dh200 fine. Those whose work permits were issued after October 1, 2023, must enroll within four months or face a Dh400 fine. Both Emiratis and expatriates working in the federal government and private sectors are required to subscribe to the scheme, with certain exemptions for categories such as investors, domestic helpers, temporary contract workers, juveniles, and retirees entitled to a pension.
