It is anticipated the policy, which came into effect on 1 February 2014, will be strictly enforced in the coming months, in line with the requirements set out by Dubai's new mandatory health insurance system known as ‘ISAHD'.

ERP applications filed through the Authority's e-portal will soon require the:

• insurance company's name;

• foreign national's insurance card number;

• card issue date;

• card expiry date and a scanned colored copy of the health insurance card.

What This Means for Employers

Clients operating in the Dubai Airport Free Zone should make note of this new procedural requirement and take measures to ensure foreign nationals being sponsored for an ERP in the free zone have the requisite health insurance details in order to prevent delays or procedural setbacks. Though the Authority is still processing applications without health insurance details, they may strictly enforce this new requirement very soon.