UAE Golden, Green visas: Should employers provide health insurance to self-sponsored residents?

UAE Golden, Green visas: Should employers provide health insurance to self-sponsored residents?

Question: I work in a Dubai-based mainland company. For self-sponsored residencies like Golden and Green visa in Dubai, are companies liable to offer health insurance to those on the payroll? As far as companies are concerned, other than salaries, what must they offer to employees on self-sponsored visas?

Response: Pursuant to your queries, it is assumed that you are holder of a Golden or Green visa residency in the UAE and as you are employed by a private mainland company. Hence, the provisions of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relations (the 'Employment Law'), Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 on the Implementation of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 Regarding the Regulation of Employment Relations (the 'Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022') and those of Law No. 11 of 2013 Concerning Health Insurance in the Emirate of Dubai (the 'Dubai Health Insurance Law') are applicable.

In the UAE, an employer may obtain a work permit for an individual who is already holding a Golden Visa. This is in accordance with Article 6(1)(j) of the Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, which states: "Subject to the provisions of Article 6 of the Employment Law, the