UAE unemployment insurance (ILOE): mandatory for employees
Every private-sector and federal employee must subscribe. How much it costs, what it pays and the fine for missing it.
New: recent changes on this topic
If a change affects a step below, it is flagged after our editors review it.
In short
The Involuntary Loss of Employment scheme pays 60% of basic salary for up to three months if you lose your job. Subscription is mandatory and costs from AED 5 per month. Missing it brings an AED 400 fine.
- Cost
- AED 5–10/month
- Pays
- 60% of basic, 3 months
- Min. contribution
- 12 months
- Fine
- AED 400
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
ILOE website, app, bank app or exchange house.
10 min
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Set up automatic payment
Don’t
- Don’t let it lapse for over 3 months – coverage is cancelled
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Watch out
- Unpaid fines can block visa renewal and new work permits.
Common questions
Is it for domestic workers?
No. Investors, domestic workers, part-time workers under 18 and retirees are exempt.
Official links
Background and more detail
The Involuntary Loss of Employment scheme pays 60% of basic salary for up to three months if you lose your job. Subscription is mandatory and costs from AED 5 per month. Missing it brings an AED 400 fine.
Key facts
- Cost: AED 5–10/month
- Pays: 60% of basic, 3 months
- Min. contribution: 12 months
- Fine: AED 400
Steps
- Subscribe – ILOE website, app, bank app or exchange house.
- Pay monthly or yearly – Annual payment avoids missed instalments.
- Claim within 30 days of job loss – Not paid if you resigned or were dismissed for disciplinary reasons.
Watch out
- Unpaid fines can block visa renewal and new work permits.
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