More than 8 million employees have signed up for the UAE’s unemployment insurance scheme since its launch in January 2023, authorities announced on Thursday. Managed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre), the scheme is mandatory for both national and expatriate employees across public and private sectors, including free zone workers.
Employees who fail to register or renew their policies face a fine of Dh400. Certain groups, such as business owners managing their own companies, domestic workers, minors under 18, temporary workers, and retirees seeking new jobs, are exempt from the insurance.
The unemployment insurance provides financial support for a limited period following job loss. The scheme has two categories based on salary levels: employees earning Dh16,000 or less pay a Dh5 monthly premium with a maximum compensation of Dh10,000, while those earning more pay Dh10 monthly with a compensation cap of Dh20,000.
To receive compensation, employees must be subscribed for at least 12 consecutive months and must apply within 30 days after job termination. Compensation claims can be filed via the ILOE website or app.