HH Sheikh Mohammed has approved the establishment of a mandatory health insurance system for private sector employees all over the UAE.
Photo: Wam
This week, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai chaired a UAE cabinet meeting that saw the establishment of a mandatory health insurance system. The meeting held at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi issued the new system, which covers private sector employees as well as domestic workers all over the UAE. While those in Dubai and Abu Dhabi already benefit from health insurance issued by their employers, the mandatory system will now also encompass the remaining emirates, and domestic workers.
“Today, I chaired the UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi,” Sheikh Mohammed said in a statement. “We reviewed the major advancements in the country’s labor market. The UAE has ranked first globally in the lack of labor disputes indicator, according to the Global Competitiveness Report, first globally in the ability to attracting talent, as indicated by the Prosperity Index, and third globally in the digital skills.”
State news agency Wam reported that “according to the new system, employers in private sector companies along with employers of domestic workers in the UAE are required to pay for the health insurance coverage for their registered workers upon issuance or renewal of their residency permits.” The mandatory system will come into effect starting January 1, 2025, with the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation appointed as the responsible body for carrying out essential awareness campaigns and programs regarding the scheme.
In his statement, Sheikh Mohammed added, “Today, we approved a new structure for the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, including establishing a coordinating council for the labor market in the UAE, to maintain its stability and enhance its competitiveness. The workforce is the real engine of the economy, and monitoring their concerns and protecting their rights are essential elements for advancing our national economy.”
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