United Arab Emirates: Fee Eliminated to Merge End-of-Service Benefit for Emirati Nationals Registered with the General Pension and Social Security Authority
May 25, 2023
The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) launched a new project, “Shourak,” to benefit Emirati nationals in the private and public sectors with their end of service gratuity. The GPSSA is a pension scheme available to all Gulf Cooperation Council nationals, while two other pension schemes are available only to Emirati nationals who are employed in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah. Currently, Emirati nationals must collect their end-of-service gratuity when they stop working for their current employer and they can choose to pay a fee to have it deposited back into their pension account to be paid out at as a pension salary when they retire. However, when the related rule goes into effect on July 1, 2023, GPSSA-insured Emirati nationals who join Shourak within six months from their end-of-service date will no longer need to pay this fee if they choose the latter option and elect to merge their end-of-service benefits within one month of starting work for their new employer. These end-of-service payments stem from monthly contributions that UAE employers pay to the GPSSA during the Emirati national’s employment; the contributions also pay for the employee’s pension upon retirement.
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].
Explore more at Fragomen
Blog post
Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.
Awards
Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.
Media mentions
Director Kelly Hardman discusses how UK offshore immigration rules are creating challenges for energy and maritime operations.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés outlines upcoming changes to Ireland’s immigration rules and their implications for employers.
Media mentions
Partner Chad Ellsworth discussed the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee and ongoing demand for specialized talent across the US tech industry.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Kate Hooper and Associate Naomi Nyamaah explain the importance of maintaining sponsor licences for care providers in the UK.
Media mentions
Counsel Brian Hunt outlines how the US could scan social media as part of proposed entry requirements for travellers applying through ESTA.
Video
In the Mobility Minute, Practice Leader Colm Collins outlines upcoming changes to Ireland’s employment permit qualifying criteria and the steps employers should take ahead of the 1 March 2026 implementation.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Slocombe discusses what travellers to the US under the Visa Waiver Program need to disclose and consider before travelling.
Media mentions
Counsel Brian Hunt discussed US Customs and Border Protection's proposed changes to the ESTA application process regarding social media and additional personal information.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler explains key considerations for Indian applicants under the new Gold Card program.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui outlines key legalisation requirements when the Apostille Convention does not apply or when country-specific exceptions exist.
Blog post
Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.
Awards
Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.
Media mentions
Director Kelly Hardman discusses how UK offshore immigration rules are creating challenges for energy and maritime operations.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés outlines upcoming changes to Ireland’s immigration rules and their implications for employers.
Media mentions
Partner Chad Ellsworth discussed the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee and ongoing demand for specialized talent across the US tech industry.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Kate Hooper and Associate Naomi Nyamaah explain the importance of maintaining sponsor licences for care providers in the UK.
Media mentions
Counsel Brian Hunt outlines how the US could scan social media as part of proposed entry requirements for travellers applying through ESTA.
Video
In the Mobility Minute, Practice Leader Colm Collins outlines upcoming changes to Ireland’s employment permit qualifying criteria and the steps employers should take ahead of the 1 March 2026 implementation.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Slocombe discusses what travellers to the US under the Visa Waiver Program need to disclose and consider before travelling.
Media mentions
Counsel Brian Hunt discussed US Customs and Border Protection's proposed changes to the ESTA application process regarding social media and additional personal information.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler explains key considerations for Indian applicants under the new Gold Card program.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui outlines key legalisation requirements when the Apostille Convention does not apply or when country-specific exceptions exist.