
Country / Territory
Related offices
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.
Although Fragomen does not assist clients in obtaining medical insurance, some employers may prefer to provide their insurance coverage letter directly from their medical provider to Fragomen, which would be maintained in compliance with Fragomen’s privacy policy.
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 [email protected].
Country / Territory
Related offices
Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions
Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.

Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh and Associate Anna I. Perina explore how changing immigration enforcement is affecting workforce planning and compliance for US employers.

Blog post
Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung provide guidance for businesses on the legal and procedural requirements for amending their AoA in Saudi Arabia.

Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger discusses how US employers can navigate ongoing green card delays and shifting visa bulletin trends to better support foreign talent and workforce planning.

Media mentions

Awards
WirtschaftsWoche names Fragomen to its "Best Law Firms 2025" list and Partner Axel Boysen to its "Best Lawyers 2025" list in the field of migration law for private individuals.

Awards
Fragomen is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Legal Guide 2025.

Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses the potential option of decentralizing work permit issuance in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear coordination between the provincial and federal governments.

Video
Fragomen FC hosts are joined by Manager Alexander Hood to examine how immigration rules are reshaping global football, from EPL transfers to the rise of international transfers into the Women’s Super League.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.

Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh and Associate Anna I. Perina explore how changing immigration enforcement is affecting workforce planning and compliance for US employers.

Blog post
Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung provide guidance for businesses on the legal and procedural requirements for amending their AoA in Saudi Arabia.

Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger discusses how US employers can navigate ongoing green card delays and shifting visa bulletin trends to better support foreign talent and workforce planning.

Media mentions

Awards
WirtschaftsWoche names Fragomen to its "Best Law Firms 2025" list and Partner Axel Boysen to its "Best Lawyers 2025" list in the field of migration law for private individuals.

Awards
Fragomen is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Legal Guide 2025.

Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses the potential option of decentralizing work permit issuance in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear coordination between the provincial and federal governments.

Video
Fragomen FC hosts are joined by Manager Alexander Hood to examine how immigration rules are reshaping global football, from EPL transfers to the rise of international transfers into the Women’s Super League.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.