United Arab Emirates: Health Insurance Coverage to be Mandatory in Dubai

Employers in the Emirate of Dubai must provide health insurance coverage to all residents and visitors by June 30, 2016. Noncompliance with the regulation may result in fines and other penalties.

Employers in the Emirate of Dubai must provide health insurance coverage to all residents and visitors by June 30, 2016, according to an announcement by the Dubai Health Authority. Employees must provide at least basic coverage for their dependents and domestic workers under an approved plan by that date.

Companies employing 100-999 workers have been subject to this requirement since July 31, 2015.

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA) is expected to monitor health insurance coverage, as was done in Abu Dhabi. Accordingly, the GDRFA may not issue or renew residence permits without valid health insurance.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

Employers in Dubai must ensure that they enroll their employees under a health insurance plan by the deadline. New applications submitted on or after June 30, 2016 are expected to require proof of insurance. Delays in providing such proof may result in processing issues. Noncompliance with the regulation may result in severe fines or denial of the immigration application.

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