UAE workers receive more than Dh830m from government schemes to protect loss of income

In the first half of 2026, UAE private-sector employees received over Dh830 million in government protection schemes to safeguard against income loss. The Workers Protection Programme (WPP) contributed Dh512 million, while the ILOE mandatory unemployment insurance scheme accounted for Dh320 million in payouts, according to figures released on Tuesday by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

There were 44,000 beneficiaries of the WPP during the same period, with an average payment of Dh7,000. Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Protection, Dalal Al Shehhi, emphasised the ministry's goal to enhance workers' quality of life and well-being while balancing their rights and those of employers. She highlighted the effectiveness of the comprehensive strategy employed in the labour market, which involves building partnerships with government entities and the private sector to support legislation implementation and compliance.

The WPP, established in 2018, offers protection to workers whose employers fail to pay due wages, end-of-service benefits, or other entitlements. It is mandatory for all private and public sector employees to enroll in the ILOE insurance scheme, introduced in 2023. Premiums vary based on salary brackets, with category A paying Dh5 monthly and category B Dh10 monthly, both subject to 5% VAT.

The scheme provides 60% of the basic salary for up to three months or until the employee finds a new job, whichever comes first. The ministry also emphasized the importance of midday breaks, known as the Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy, which provides employees with relief during the hottest months. Non-compliance with the policy can result in fines of Dh5,000 per incident, with a maximum penalty of Dh50,000 for multiple breaches.

The ministry is committed to providing safe accommodation for outdoor workers, with around two million workers residing in 2,800 government-registered labour accommodations.