Starting January 1, 2025, a new mandatory health insurance scheme will be implemented to cover private sector employees and domestic workers in the UAE. This significant announcement underscores the commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare for all residents. Under this scheme, employers will bear the responsibility of providing health coverage to their registered workers, coinciding with the issuance or renewal of residency permits.
Ensuring comprehensive healthcare access
The decision, approved by the UAE Cabinet, extends healthcare coverage to previously uninsured segments of the workforce. Notably, domestic workers, who were previously excluded from mandatory health insurance provisions, will now benefit from this initiative. Abu Dhabi and Dubai already have existing laws mandating health insurance for employees, with Abu Dhabi additionally covering their families. The nationwide implementation of this scheme reflects the government’s dedication to safeguarding the health and well-being of all residents, including the sizable private sector workforce.
Government initiatives and impact
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) will spearhead awareness campaigns and programs to facilitate the smooth implementation of the new scheme. This initiative aligns with previous efforts to enhance employee welfare, such as the mandatory insurance scheme protecting workers from job loss.
Since its inception, over 7.2 million employees across various sectors have enrolled in this program. During the Cabinet meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, it was highlighted that 98.8% of the country’s workforce is already covered under the Workers’ Protection Programme. This program serves as a safety net, ensuring that workers’ wages and entitlements are safeguarded, particularly in cases of employer bankruptcy.
The introduction of mandatory health insurance for private sector employees and domestic workers signifies a significant step towards comprehensive healthcare coverage in the UAE. By prioritizing the well-being of its workforce, the government reinforces its commitment to fostering a healthy and secure environment for all residents.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
