The deadline marks the final stage of implementation of the law, with companies employing 100-999 workers already having to comply with this requirement.

The current deadline now extends the mandatory health insurance to any dependent family members and domestic workers under at least a minimum basic coverage plan. A list of approved providers is available here. Although employers are not responsible to provide coverage for dependents, many employers do this as an additional benefit.

With this final deadline it is expected that, similar to Abu Dhabi, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA) will also monitor health insurance coverage. The GDRFA may therefore not issue or renew residence permits without valid proof of insurance. Currently, immigration applications in certain free zones are still being approved without the insurance.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals