Lockton Global
Compliance News

Month: October 2022

UAE

UAE to pass amendments to Emiratization framework

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government recently introduced new amendments intended to increase the number of UAE nationals who are working in the private sector by increasing quotas under its existing Emiratization framework. All private sector employers with at least 50 employees will be required to increase Emiratis’ proportion in the workforce to at least 10% of the workforce by 2026. The new Emiratization requirements are expected to enter into effect on 1 January 2023 meaning that obligated employers will need to increase from a 2% to a 4% Emiratization quota by that date or face fines and other punitive actions.

Bahrain

Bahrain introduces social insurance pension reforms

The government of Bahrain introduced Law No. (14) of 2022, which amends several provisions of the social insurance program including raising social security contribution rates, revising the old-age pension benefit formula, increasing the normal retirement age for women, and revising the payment method of the end-of-service benefits. The new Social Insurance Law was passed and published in the Bahraini Official Gazette on 18 April 2022. However, implementing regulations are still expected to be issued at a later date (still yet to be determined).

Qatar

Qatar to implement mandatory health insurance for foreign nationals

The government of Qatar recently passed a new law mandating that all foreign nationals visiting, residing or working in Qatar have private medical insurance coverage for the entire duration of their stay. Law No. 22 of 2021 is expected to enter into effect on 4 May 2022.