How to subscribe to UAE jobless cover?

MANDATORY INSURANCE EXTENDS FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR 3 MONTHS AFTER LOSS OF JOB

- BY ZAINAB HUSAIN Features Writer

Losing a job unexpectedly can be stressful, especially in a fast-paced economy like the UAE. To protect employees, the government introduced the Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) scheme, a mandatory unemployment insurance programme for both Emiratis and expatriates working in the private sector and federal government.

By paying a small monthly premium, workers gain access to financial support if they lose their jobs involuntarily.

Under Federal Decree Law No. 13 of 2022, eligible employees can receive up to 60 per cent of their average basic salary over the previous six months. Benefits are capped at three consecutive months per claim, and workers must have paid premiums for at least 12 consecutive months to qualify.

Introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in 2022 and implemented in 2023, the ILOE scheme is administered by the Insurance Pool, managed by Dubai Insurance, which handles both subscriptions and claims.

The scheme has two categories based on basic salary:

Category A (Dh16,000 or below)

■Premium: Dh5 + VAT per month

■Compensation: Up to Dh10,000 per month for up to three months per claim

Category B (above Dh16,000)