UAE Mandates Health Insurance for Private Workers by 2025

Starting next year, private sector employees and domestic workers in the UAE will be encompassed by mandatory health insurance, as announced on Monday.

Employers will bear the responsibility of providing health coverage for their registered workers upon issuing or renewing residency permits. The implementation of this decision is set to commence on January 1st, 2025, following approval by the UAE Cabinet.

The initiative aims to ensure that all private sector employees and domestic workers without existing coverage are included under the scheme. Employers of domestic workers will be obliged to cover the costs of their employees' insurance. Currently, Abu Dhabi and Dubai have laws mandating health insurance for employees, extending to their families in the UAE Capital.

The nationwide health insurance scheme reflects the UAE's commitment to providing accessible healthcare to its significant private sector workforce. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) will conduct awareness campaigns and programs to facilitate the scheme's implementation.

This initiative marks the second mandatory insurance rollout for UAE employees. Last year, a scheme was introduced to safeguard workers from job loss, with over 7.2 million private and federal government sector employees enrolled to date.

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 country's workforce is covered by the Workers' Protection Programme, safeguarding their wages in case of employer bankruptcy.

Sheikh Mohammed said, “Today, we approved a new structure for the MoHRE, 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.”

Additionally, the Cabinet approved extending the validity of Emirati passports for citizens aged 21 and above from five to 10 years. Moreover, the Digital Wellbeing Council reported shutting down numerous websites and social media accounts promoting substance abuse and illicit activities, underscoring the UAE's commitment to safeguarding its youth and instilling awareness in future generations through collaboration among families, media, and schools.