Insurance Scheme to Replace Bank Guarantee System in Mainland

The situation

The Cabinet of the United Arab Emirates has announced that an insurance scheme will replace the bank guarantee system in the mainland, which will continue to ensure that employers can cover the costs of foreign employees’ unforeseen circumstances. The effective date of this policy is not yet clear.

A closer look

• Insurance scheme details. The new insurance scheme will provide coverage of up to AED 20,000 per employer in case of unpaid wages and/or various allowances, return tickets and work-related injuries.
• Previously deposited funds. Employers will be able to retrieve the funds deposited with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) under the bank guarantee plan.
• Cost. The new insurance scheme will only cost employers AED 60 annually per worker.

Background

Existing regulations require companies in mainland UAE that are registered with the MOHRE to deposit AED 3,000 for each work permit application as a bank guarantee (exemptions exist for the employment of skilled workers and depending on the company category) which covers similar situations that the insurance scheme will cover.

Impact

The new scheme may ease monetary burdens for companies employing foreign nationals.

Looking ahead

Fragomen will provide updates on further details of the new law as they are released by the relevant authorities, including information on whether free zone authorities will modify their regulations regarding bank schemes to match this change in the mainland.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to mideast@fragomen.com.