UAE mandates health insurance for all expatriate employees

In the UAE, employers must provide health insurance to their expatriate employees by law. This requirement has existed in Abu Dhabi and Dubai for some time. Recently, in January 2025, it expanded to include the Northern Emirates: Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. This move ensures that all employees have access to healthcare, early disease detection, and financial protection. Despite these laws, some workers still struggle to get proper health insurance. A reader expressed their frustration about not having health coverage for almost a year, making it difficult to see a doctor. They wondered if they could complain to the authorities, hoping the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) would inspect companies for compliance. According to Vivian Ch'ng, a legal expert, Dubai's health insurance law mandates that employers cover the costs of health insurance for their workers. Employers must keep insurance valid for the entire period of employment. If this obligation is ignored, employees can file a complaint with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or MOHRE. Employees who believe their rights are being violated can submit complaints to MOHRE. The labor law process allows MOHRE to mediate disputes. If no agreement is reached in 14 days, the case goes to court. Complaints can be filed online or through the MOHRE app, and assistance is available via a dedicated call center. Employers who do not provide health insurance may face fines ranging from 500 to 150,000 AED. Repeat violations can lead to higher penalties, up to 500,000 AED. The DHA can also issue warnings and suspend health insurance activities. Failure to comply may lead to additional fines and consequences for employers.