The unemployment insurance system is of great importance to citizens and residents of the UAE working in the private sector or the federal government, under the supervision of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
The sources explained that the primary goal of the program is to provide financial support to insured individuals during unemployment, which provides them with security to cover their basic expenses, and also develops the competitiveness of the Emirati workforce in the labor market, ensuring that they receive financial support during difficult times.
The sources reported that it provides social protection by launching a program for a decent standard of living for job seekers that keeps pace with the UAE’s vision to become a competitive knowledge economy by attracting and retaining the best international talent.
Reasons for entitlement to compensation:
The worker is required to pay the monthly installment for at least 12 consecutive months, and the authority indicated that there are no costs or fees required from employers for their employees to access the program.
Segments excluded from the insurance system:
• Investors (owners of the establishments in which they work).
• Supportive workers.
• Employees with temporary employment contracts.
• Juveniles under 18 years old.
• Retirees who receive a pension and have started a new job.
The sources reported that subscription fees for the unemployment insurance system are classified based on the employee’s basic salary, and in the case of new joiners in the UAE, subscription to the unemployment insurance program has now become more convenient than ever, through the various channels that can be accessed.
The program also enables new employees to enjoy a four-month grace period to enroll in unemployment insurance, as this time frame allows new employees to settle into their roles before fulfilling this important obligation.
Penalty for failure to register:
The sources noted that employees who miss the grace period for registration will be fined 400 dirhams, and if employees pay their insurance premiums for less than three months after the due date, an additional fine of 200 dirhams will be imposed.
The sources revealed that in the event of unemployment, individuals participating in the system must follow specific steps to claim compensation, which are as follows:
1. The worker must submit an unemployment application within 30 days from the date of his unemployment.
2. The insurance company must transfer the compensation within two weeks of receiving the claim.
3. Compensation is paid from the date of job loss and continues for up to three months or until the insured obtains a new job.
