UAE employees who missed the October 1 deadline for enrolling in the unemployment insurance scheme will be subject to a Dh400 fine. Those who have subscribed but fail to pay premiums for over three months will incur a Dh200 fine.

Failure to settle fines may result in the denial of new work permits, warned the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre), emphasizing potential "administrative measures." Outstanding fines can be deducted from salaries or end-of-service gratuity. Employees can check fines through the Mohre app, website, or business service centers and can opt to pay in installments. Appeals can be made within 15 working days, with decisions issued promptly.

As of November 15, over 6.6 million people have enrolled in the mandatory scheme since its inception on January 1, 2023. The scheme provides compensation for up to three months to Emiratis and expatriates in federal and private sectors facing job loss.

New employees

New employees in the private sector must enroll within four months of receiving work permits after October 1. Failure results in a Dh400 fine. Certain groups are exempt, including business owners, domestic workers, temporary employees, juveniles, retirees receiving pensions, and those eligible for retirement.

The scheme comprises two categories based on salary:

Basic salary of Dh16,000 or below with a Dh5 monthly premium (Dh60 annually), capped at Dh10,000 monthly compensation.
Basic salary exceeding Dh16,000 with a Dh10 monthly premium (Dh120 annually), capped at Dh20,000 monthly compensation.
Compensation can be claimed after 12 consecutive months of subscription. No claims are permitted upon leaving the country or securing a new job. Compensation covers a maximum of three months post-unemployment, excluding terminations for disciplinary reasons, with the amount calculated at 60% of the average basic salary in the six months before unemployment.