GPSSA clarifies conditions for participation of insured individuals

ABU DHABI, 12th December, 2022 (WAM) — The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) said that the registration of insured individuals in the private sector with the authority is the first step towards receiving insurance benefits as part of GPSSA’s social insurance system, in addition to benefits provided by the NAFIS programme for employees in the private sector.

Mohamed Saqer Al Hammadi, Head of GPSSA’s Pension Operations, explained that registration for citizens working in the private sector is mandatory under the provisions of Federal Law No. 7 of 1999 for Pensions and Social Security and its amendments, which obliges employers to register an insured person immediately upon joining work when the conditions apply.

On the rights of employees in the private sector who are affiliated with the NAFIS initiative, Al Hammadi explained that Emirati nationals should not being less than 18 years old nor over 60 and to be medically fit upon appointment based on a medical report issued by a certified medical provider approved by the GPSSA. The insured must be a UAE national, and this includes individuals who obtain the UAE nationality at any time.

He said, “All UAE based employers in the private sector are subject to the provisions of the pension law with exception to Abu Dhabi who are subject to the Abu Dhabi Pension Law, including all their branches in other parts of the UAE.”

Additionally, free zones and entities operating in the field of tourism and hotels who employ Emiratis are all subject to the provisions of the law, given they verify their legal position regarding, comply with the provisions of the law and register their employees with the GPSSA as is the case for all employers by which the compliance conditions apply.

These entities are only required to register with the GPSSA if an Emirati joins them.