UAE Clarifies Mandatory Health Insurance Verification for Work Permit Issuance and Renewal

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has released updated guidance clarifying health insurance verification rules tied to the issuance and renewal of work permits, according to an advisory from Morgan Lewis.

Under the clarified electronic procedures, work permits cannot be approved or extended without system-level verification confirming an active health insurance policy. The policy must meet statutory minimum standards and remain effective throughout the entire validity period of the employee's work permit.

The guidance highlights that employers remain legally liable for funding all premium and renewal expenses. Additionally, employers are prohibited from cancelling coverage if the cancellation leaves the worker uninsured.

Morgan Lewis noted that this clarification reinforces enforcement mechanisms tied to the nationwide expansion of compulsory health insurance covering private-sector employees and domestic workers.