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UAE launches health insurance package for pvt sector employees

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Scheme will extend coverage to private sector workers in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah

Dubai: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has launched a basic health insurance package for private sector employees and domestic workers across the UAE who are not currently covered by any insurance, as part of the Health Insurance Scheme approved by the UAE Cabinet.

The initiative is launched in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, and the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and in coordination with a number of insurance companies.

Based on the Cabinet Decision issued in that regard, the Health Insurance Scheme will extend coverage to private sector workers in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah starting from 1 January 2025, thus ensuring that 100% of workers in the UAE are covered by insurance. The system is already implemented on a mandatory basis in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, covering employees in private companies and domestic workers.

Employers are required to purchase the new health insurance policy as a prerequisite for issuing or renewing residency permits. However, the mandate does not apply to employees with work permits issued before 1 January 2024 that remain valid, and will only become mandatory when their residency permits are due for renewal.

SUBHEAD
His Excellency Khalil Al Khoori, Undersecretary of Labour Market and Emiratisation Operations at MoHRE, said: “The Health Insurance Scheme reflects the UAE’s commitment to extending the comprehensive protection system to all workers across the labour market, ensuring a decent life for all by providing access to high-quality healthcare services for private sector employees and domestic workers.”

“The initiative represents another major milestone in the series of accomplishments seen across the UAE labour market,” His Excellency added. “It forms part of a comprehensive vision to expand the integrated social protection umbrella, which includes the Worker Protection Programme, Unemployment Insurance Scheme, and the voluntary alternative end-of-service benefits system known as the ‘Savings Scheme’. These efforts reinforce the commitment to providing a secure, healthy work environment and improving quality of life for all workers.”

“The new Health Insurance Scheme in the UAE is poised to have a notable positive impact on the competitiveness of the country’s labour market, improving performance on key indicators related to quality of life, protection of rights, and social and healthcare security,” Al Khoori noted. “It is also expected to benefit workers and employers by reducing the financial costs associated with medical treatment and unpaid sick leave uninsured workers typically need to take.”

For his part, HE Major General Saeed Salem Balhas Al Shamsi, Acting Director-General of Identity and Foreigners Affairs at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, asserted that: “Launching the new basic Health Insurance Scheme for private sector employees and domestic workers is a critical step towards completing the UAE’s health insurance framework and providing healthcare to all groups. This essential step aligns with the wise leadership’s vision to enhance the community’s quality of life, uphold human rights, and ensure healthcare access for all. It is set to boost productivity and support sustainable development while advancing the UAE’s leadership and global competitiveness across international indicators.”

HE added that the approval of the health insurance system reflects the UAE’s humanitarian and civilised commitment, reaffirming its dedication to upholding international human rights conventions and providing healthcare to all residents on its land.

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