Lockton Global
Compliance News

United Arab Emirates

UAE

UAE introduces mandatory unemployment insurance scheme [Updated]

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government recently introduced – for the first time – a mandatory unemployment insurance scheme. The scheme aims to protect employees who lose their jobs for reasons out of their control, by ensuring the availability of unemployment income for up to three months. The new Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) insurance scheme, which was announced by the Minister of Human Resources and Emiratization in May 2022, came into effect 1 January 2023.

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.

UAE

UAE expands equal pay provisions

The president of the UAE recently approved Decree Law No.6 2020 (the Decree), expanding existing equal pay provisions. The Decree was issued on 25 August 2020, and should enter into effect one month after its publication in the UAE Official […]

UAE

UAE introduces parental leave benefit

The president of the UAE recently approved Decree Law No.6 2020 (the Decree) granting private sector employees five working days of employer-paid new parental leave. The Decree was issued on 25 August 2020 and should enter into effect one month […]

UAE

UAE DIFC mandatory retirement plan final guidance

Update: Final guidance has been issued by the DIFC, a special economic zone in Dubai, on the implementation of the new DIFC Employee Workplace Savings plan (DEWS), which replaces the current end-of-service gratuity payment plan for expatriate employees. The plan, […]

UAE

UAE introduces a new employment law

On 30 May 2019, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) enacted a new employment law which introduces statutory paternity leave and amends several provisions of the existing 2005 employment law, including sick leave pay and paid time off. The 2019 […]

Abu Dhabi issues generic medication circular

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health (DOH) has issued a circular requiring all pharmacies to dispense generic medications listed on a DOH formulary beginning 1 September 2018. Patients will be able to choose between brand name or generic medicine, but they […]