The UAE’s Unemployment Insurance Scheme provided crucial financial assistance to 10,500 workers in 2024, according to a Gulf News report, citing the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The program, designed to support employees facing job loss, disbursed over Dh114 million in compensation last year.
MOHRE reported that 83% of the targeted workforce in the private sector was covered under the scheme by the end of 2024. The initiative offers insured workers temporary financial support for up to three months, providing 60% of their basic salary, with a maximum cap of Dh20,000 per month.
Dalal Saeed Al Shehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labor Protection at MOHRE, highlighted the scheme’s role in ensuring financial stability during employment transitions. “This initiative safeguards workers and their families, helping them manage expenses while seeking new job opportunities,” she stated.
The program covers employees in both the private sector and federal government, except for certain groups such as investors, domestic workers, and retirees re-entering the workforce. The insurance is divided into two categories based on salary brackets, with premiums ranging from Dh5 to Dh10 per month.
MOHRE reaffirmed that workers must be enrolled in the scheme for at least 12 consecutive months and meet eligibility criteria to receive compensation. The initiative, which now has around 9 million subscribers, continues to serve as a key safety net, helping employees sustain their livelihoods until they secure new employment.
