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Decoding ILOE: Your guide to the UAE's involuntary loss of employment insurance
Co-Founder & CEO movingo
Editor
Author
Iakov Kukushkin
Copywriter, Journalist
Dec 12, 2025
The labor market in the UAE is one of the most competitive in the world. But if you are employed, you are fairly well protected against job loss. There is special insurance that guarantees you will receive most of your income while looking for a new position.
However, there are many important details that determine whether this will work. This article will explain these nuances and provide a clear action plan for obtaining insurance for you and your employees.
However, there are many important details that determine whether this will work. This article will explain these nuances and provide a clear action plan for obtaining insurance for you and your employees.
- What is ILOE insurance UAE?
- How much will I receive from this insurance?
- Eligibility requirements for ILOE claims
- Who is required to register for ILOE insurance?
- Who is exempt from subscribing to ILOE insurance?
- Is it applicable to part-time employees?
- ILOE Dubai insurance cost
- How to apply and login to ILOE insurance
- Application methods
- ILOE insurance login guide
- How to check ILOE insurance status
- How to get an insurance certificate
- ILOE insurance renewal and the last date to apply
- What will happen if I miss the deadline? What is the penalty for not paying for ILOE insurance?
- Benefits of ILOE for SMEs and employees
- ILOE news and updates 2025
- How movingo helps you stay ILOE-ready
- Frequently asked questions about ILOE insurance
What is ILOE insurance UAE?
The Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) scheme is a mandatory unemployment insurance program. It was established under Federal Decree Law No. 13 of 2022. This government-sponsored social welfare program offers temporary financial support to workers in the private and public sectors who have lost their jobs due to circumstances beyond their control, such as being fired for reasons other than quitting or getting into trouble. Insurance includes both citizens and non-citizens.
The core goal is to provide a safety net that ensures workers can maintain a decent standard of living while searching for new employment.
The core goal is to provide a safety net that ensures workers can maintain a decent standard of living while searching for new employment.
How much will I receive from this insurance?
If your application is successful, you'll get a monthly payment based on 60% of your average salary for the 6 months before you lost your job. Compensation is paid for a maximum of 3 consecutive months per claim, up to the maximum cap based on your subscription category.
Do you or your employees have insurance policies? Let us check, and if not, we can help you get them right away.
Eligibility requirements for ILOE claims
Who is required to register for ILOE insurance?
The ILO is mandatory for all private and federal government sector workers in the UAE who are 18 years or older, whether they are UAE nationals or expat residents.
In May 2022, the eligibility was expanded to include employees working for semi-government companies and organizations that are located in any of the country's Free Zones.
In May 2022, the eligibility was expanded to include employees working for semi-government companies and organizations that are located in any of the country's Free Zones.
💡 Key requirement: To get compensation, you need to have been on the plan and paid your premiums for 12 months straight before you lost your job.
Who is exempt from subscribing to ILOE insurance?
- Investors (owners of the establishment they work at).
- Domestic workers, such as nannies, housemaids, and drivers.
- Employees with temporary contracts.
- Juveniles (workers under the age of 18).
- Retirees who receive a pension and have started a new job.
Is it applicable to part-time employees?
The scheme generally applies to full-time employees in the private and federal sectors. People on temporary contracts get a special exemption. If you're a part-timer who isn't on a temporary contract and you meet all the other requirements (like being 18 or older), you generally have to sign up.
If you're a freelancer, you need to ensure that you're taking care of all the paperwork and accounting tasks, as they can become quite complicated. We specialize in helping small and medium businesses, as well as freelance workers.
Why don't you give us a call and let's talk about how we can help you?
Why don't you give us a call and let's talk about how we can help you?
ILOE Dubai insurance cost
The cost of your premium depends on your basic salary category:
Premiums can usually be paid monthly, every 3 months, twice a year, or once a year. Some recent changes suggest that new subscriptions might require a full payment for two years upfront, so check the official website for the latest payment methods.
How to apply and login to ILOE insurance
Application methods
Employees are fully responsible for their subscriptions and payments, not their bosses. There are a number of ways to sign up and pay your monthly bills:
- ILOE mobile app
Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
- Business service centers
Authorized centers like Tasheel and Tawjeeh.
- Exchange companies
Like Al Ansari Exchange
- Kiosks and ATMs
Selected payment kiosks and bank ATMs.
- Telecom bills
There is an option for deduction via Du or Etisalat bills.
ILOE insurance login guide
- Visit the official ILOE portal or open the mobile app.
- Select the "Subscribe/Renew" or "Individual" section.
- Enter your Emirates ID (or Unified ID Number) and your UAE mobile number.
- You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) via SMS for verification.
- Enter your OTP to access your profile. Then, verify your details and select your subscription duration (usually one or two years). Finally, complete the payment.
How to check ILOE insurance status
You can check your status, including payment history and validity:
- Official ILOE portal or app: Log in with your Emirates ID to check your dashboard or profile.
- Call center: Call the ILOE call center at 600 599 555 and provide your details.
How to get an insurance certificate
Your insurance certificate is usually issued instantly upon successful payment of your premium. You can download or print it directly from the official ILOE website after logging in or from the ILOE mobile app. If you have any questions about this process or any other related topics like documents, taxes, visas, or doing business in the UAE, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help.
ILOE insurance renewal and the last date to apply
💡 The scheme is mandatory, and you are required to subscribe within 4 months of receiving your work permit.
The policy period is generally 1 or 2 years. You are responsible for renewing the policy on time.
- Renewal:
You can renew your policy through the same channels used for subscription (website, app, etc.).
- Grace period:
Some providers allow a grace period (e.g., 3 months) after the policy's expiry date for renewal, but it's crucial to renew promptly to maintain continuous coverage and eligibility for claims.
What will happen if I miss the deadline? What is the penalty for not paying for ILOE insurance?
-
Fine for failing to subscribe on time:
AED 400 Employees who get a work permit need to register within four months after it's issued. -
Fine for failure to pay premiums on time:
AED 200 Your insurance certificate will be canceled if you do not pay the premiums within 90 days of the due date.
Additionally, individuals who do not comply may face administrative consequences from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). It may include:
- Work permit block: MoHRE may block the issuance of a new work permit until all outstanding fines and premiums have been paid.
- Deduction of fines: Employees may be fined and have the fines deducted from their wages or end-of-service gratuity.
It's important to get all the paperwork right to avoid trouble and not have to pay fines. That's easier when you have a team of pros who know the ins and outs of the local regulations.
Benefits of ILOE for SMEs and employees
Insurance is useful for owners of small and medium-sized businesses, as well as self-employed individuals, such as freelancers.
ILOE news and updates 2025
As of 2025, the ILOE scheme is still a major part of the UAE's workforce. Most of the focus has been on making sure everyone follows the rules.
-
Continued enforcement
The MoHRE actively collects fines from workers who missed the initial deadlines or failed to make premium payments. -
Simplified renewal
Efforts are ongoing to simplify the renewal process via the ILOE portal and app. There is a push for employees to choose the full two-year policy term to ensure continuous coverage. -
Protection against fraud
The authorities have been vigilant in combating fraudulent claims, imposing severe penalties on employees or employers who submit false information. -
Work permit linkage
The mechanism linking fine clearance to work permit issuance or renewal remains in place, underscoring the mandatory nature of the program.
How movingo helps you stay ILOE-ready
We specialize in business relocation and pre-launch setup, and we know all about the mandatory documents businesses and employees need. Insurance is also on this list. Don't worry about the nuances of UAE paperwork. Just tell us what you need, and we will find a reasonable solution.
We will also monitor compliance with procedures and deadlines, reminding you when necessary, or submitting everything on time. You can book a free introductory call to get an initial assessment of your requirements and an idea of what service you can expect.
Frequently asked questions about ILOE insurance
Log in to the official ILOE portal or mobile app. You'll find it in the dashboard.
You can download or print it directly from the ILO's official portal or mobile app.
You can pay online via the ILOE portal, the ILOE mobile app, select bank apps, or authorized service centers such as Tasheel or Tawjeeh.
The cost is AED 5 per month for a basic salary of AED 16,000 or less, or AED 10 per month for a basic salary greater than AED 16,000, plus VAT.
Yes, it is mandatory for all employees in both the private and federal government sectors.
You can do this via your online ILOE account.
The fine is AED 400 for failing to subscribe within the specified deadline and AED 200 for failing to pay premiums for more than three months.
So, it's a job loss because the employer fired you for non-work-related reasons (like, company restructure, layoffs). It doesn't include quitting or getting fired for doing something wrong at work.
New employees have 4 months from the date they receive their work permit or residency visa to subscribe to the scheme.
Yes, this generally applies to part-time employees in mandatory sectors.
Usually, all you need is your Emirates ID and a UAE mobile number.
If your basic salary changes, moving you from Category A to B (or vice versa), the ILOE system is designed to update this information when your policy is renewed.
No, the benefit only applies to involuntary job loss. If you resign voluntarily, however, you are not eligible for compensation.
Your subscription is tied to you as an individual, not to your employer. As long as you continue paying premiums, the policy remains valid.
