The UAE unemployment insurance scheme has reached 90 per cent enrolment among the targeted workforce, and authorities have paid more than Dh350 million in compensation since its launch in early 2024, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said.
The ministry recorded the milestone at the end of 2025. Officials linked the high uptake to stronger awareness and strict compliance across the private sector. The scheme offers temporary financial support to insured workers who lose their jobs for reasons other than resignation or disciplinary action.
Eligible employees can claim up to 60 per cent of their average basic salary from the six months before unemployment. However, the scheme caps payments at Dh10,000 per month for Category 1 and Dh20,000 for Category 2. Each claim covers a maximum of three months. Over a worker’s career in the UAE, total benefits cannot exceed 12 months.
The ministry designed the programme to provide income stability while job seekers look for new roles. At the same time, it shields employers from additional financial obligations. To qualify, workers must subscribe for at least 12 consecutive months. They must also submit claims within 30 days of losing their jobs.
Employees can register through the official ILOE portal and choose monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual payment plans. The system verifies Emirates ID details, confirms a mobile number and processes payment online.
Officials said the UAE unemployment insurance scheme now forms a core part of the country’s labour framework. They view it as a tool to strengthen market stability during economic shifts. Unlike traditional end-of-service benefits, the insurance model distributes risk across subscribers and delivers structured short-term support.
The ministry also reported progress in broader worker protection efforts. It delivered orientation programmes in 17 languages and ensured all targeted workers completed mandatory sessions. In addition, more than three million workers joined extra awareness initiatives.
Authorities maintained high compliance levels across the private sector. Companies followed occupational heat stress rules at a 99 per cent rate, officials said. The government also allocated more than 10,000 rest stations for delivery workers. Furthermore, over 2,700 companies registered in the labour accommodation system, benefiting nearly 1.9 million workers.
As policymakers refine labour regulations, officials say the UAE unemployment insurance scheme will remain central to efforts that balance worker protection with business continuity and national economic priorities.
