UAE Unemployment Insurance Scheme: Registration deadline extended

The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that the deadline to register for the Unemployment Insurance scheme has been extended. The UAE government had mandated June 30 as the last date to register for those employed in the country prior to February 28, 2023.

The extension has been granted for a period of 90 days with September 30 becoming the new deadline. The ministry said that fines will be issued to those not registered starting October 1, 2023.

The Ministry also revealed that more than 4.6 million workers had already registered for the scheme.

The Ministry has extended the deadline for fines on non-subscribers to the Unemployment Insurance System. Now, you have until 1 October, 2023, instead of 1 July, to register and avoid a AED400 fine.

Benefit from the benefits available to UAE nationals and residents eligible for…

— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) June 15, 2023

A circular announcing the extension called on employees who have not yet registered to do so before the new deadline so as to not incur fines.

What is the Unemployment Insurance Scheme

The insurance scheme was rolled out in the country in January this year and is mandatory for all employees including those in the free-zone and semi-government entities.

The scheme aims to provide those employed in the UAE, with income for a limited period of time during his/her unemployment. The objective of the scheme is to provide social protection to ensure continued decent living for the unemployed while enhancing the competitiveness of Emiratis in the labour market.

Where to register?

In order to facilitate registrations, MOHRE has set up multiple channels as points of access.

1. Insurance pool’s website can be accessed at www.iloe.ae and its smart mobile application is available for both Android and Apple users
2. Bank ATMs and kiosk machines
3. Business service centres
4. Money exchange company outlets such as Al Ansari and Lulu Exchange
5. du and Etisalat channels (to be rolled out soon)
6. Via SMS

To be eligible for compensation in the case of job loss, the insured person must have been registered in the scheme for a period of no less than 12 consecutive months.