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The United Arab Emirates, and therefore Abu Dhabi, does not have social security law in the traditional Western sense. Instead, the country has an insurance system that requires contributions from both employers and their employees. This scheme is applicable only to UAE nationals who work in the government, semi-government, and private sectors. Expats are offered end-of-service gratuity, not Social Security.
Understanding and navigating the laws and regulations related to social insurance can be complicated. Misunderstandings or errors can have significant financial and legal consequences. If you hope to secure benefits or ensure that you are meeting your obligations, a lawyer experienced in UAE labor law, which includes social insurance matters, can be an essential ally. Legal advice becomes vital in situations such as disagreements over end-of-service gratuity, disputes over occupational injury compensation, or when seeking clarification over the contributions applicable to Emirati employees.
In Abu Dhabi, Law No. 2 of 2000 governs contributions to the General Pension and Social Security Authority by the government, semi-government, and private sector. Under this law, a certain percentage of an Emirati national's salary is taken as a contribution towards pension and social security. An employer contributes 12.5% and the employee 5% of the salary. Alternatively, for expatriate workers, companies provide end-of-service gratuity—as per UAE Labour Law—an amount that an employee is eligible to receive when they resign or get terminated.
Only Emirati nationals working in government, semi-government, or private-sector jobs are eligible for social insurance.
No, expatriate workers do not receive Social Security. Instead, they are entitled to an end-of-service gratuity from their employers as per UAE Labour Law.
A form of long-term service award, the end-of-service gratuity is a lump-sum payment that an employee working in the UAE is entitled to receive upon leaving their job.
For Emiratis, it provides retirement pensions, compensation in the case of occupational injury, and death benefits.
The employer contributes 12.5% and the employee 5% of the employee's salary towards the pension and social security.
For more detailed information on social security law in UAE, consider reaching out to the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA). Also, UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) can provide valuable resources related to the end-of-service gratuity and other labor laws.
If you believe you need legal help related to Social Security in Abu Dhabi, your first step should be to contact a legal professional well-versed in UAE labor laws. They can help you understand your rights and obligations, represent you in disputes, and guide you through the complexities of the law. Ensuring you have accurate and comprehensive advice can be pivotal to receiving the benefits you are entitled to, or satisfying the obligations you are subject to.
