Dubai: The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has issued a new guide outlining the procedures currently in force for linking the issuance and renewal of certain work permits to the requirement for a valid health insurance policy.MoHRE stressed that the guide does not introduce any new obligations on employers. Instead, it clarifies existing procedures and integrates them automatically into the work permit issuance and renewal system.The guide forms part of efforts to complete the implementation of the health insurance system for workers in private-sector establishments and domestic workers. It aims to provide a clearer and more transparent regulatory framework, enhance government service efficiency, support sustainable labour market governance and protect the rights of all parties in the employment relationship.By electronically linking work permit issuance and renewal procedures with verification of workers' health insurance coverage, the guide streamlines compliance checks through the ministry's digital systems. This helps ensure uninterrupted health insurance coverage for workers, strengthens compliance, accelerates procedures and simplifies processes for employers.The ministry reiterated that work permits cannot be issued until a valid health insurance policy for the worker has been verified, in accordance with approved regulations and standards.The guide also sets out the conditions governing health insurance policies, including compliance with minimum approved coverage requirements, maintaining coverage throughout the validity of the work permit, ensuring workers do not bear any insurance subscription or renewal costs, and preventing cancellation of the policy during the permit period in a manner that would leave the worker without health insurance coverage.MoHRE noted that the nationwide health insurance system for workers was fully implemented at the beginning of 2025 under a Cabinet decision requiring the inclusion of private-sector and domestic workers in the northern emirates.The system complements existing health insurance frameworks in other emirates, ensuring that workers across the UAE are covered while supporting worker welfare and enhancing the competitiveness of the country's labour market.
