Private sector employees and domestic workers in the UAE will soon benefit from mandatory health insurance coverage starting January 1, 2025. Under this new regulation, employers will be obligated to pay for the health coverage of their registered workers while issuing or renewing their residency permits.
The decision, approved by the UAE Cabinet, extends coverage to those who do not currently have existing insurance. According to a Khaleej Times report, employers of domestic workers will bear the responsibility of covering the costs for their employees’ health insurance.
While Abu Dhabi and Dubai already have laws mandating health insurance for employees, this UAE-wide scheme aims to ensure comprehensive healthcare access for the country’s significant private sector workforce. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) will spearhead awareness campaigns and programs to facilitate the implementation of this initiative.
This marks the second mandatory insurance scheme introduced for UAE employees, following last year’s mandate protecting workers from job loss. Over 7.2 million employees from both private and federal government sectors are currently enrolled in this scheme.
During the Cabinet meeting, chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, it was highlighted that 98.8% of the workforce in the country is covered under the Workers’ Protection Programme. This program safeguards workers’ wages and other entitlements in case of employer bankruptcy.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the importance of addressing workforce concerns and protecting their rights, affirming that the workforce is the cornerstone of the national economy.
In other updates from the meeting, the validity period of Emirati passports for citizens aged 21 and above has been extended from five to 10 years. Additionally, the Digital Wellbeing Council has taken stringent actions, shutting down numerous websites and social media accounts promoting substance abuse and illicit activities, aiming to protect the youth and foster a safe digital environment for all citizens.