I have recently taken on a full-time maid and I understand that we have to provide her with some medical insurance. She is on a trial period so I don't want to pay out yet more money, so what is the deadline to get this sorted? I was told it keeps being extended. AB, Dubai
Under Dubai Health Authority (DHA) rules, it is mandatory that all visa holders have DHA compliant medical insurance plans in place. The final deadline, for individuals, dependents and domestic staff, was initially June 30, 2016, but it was then extended to the end of 2016 and extended again as people still had not arranged cover, despite the details being widely publicised since 2014. The final deadline to ensure everyone is April 30, so anyone who has not yet organised appropriate cover will be subject to fines.
These are Dh500 per uninsured person per month, or partial month, and visas will no longer be issued without proof of insurance. The DHA has recently increased staffing levels and is taking the matter seriously. The cost of insurance for domestic staff is low as most are eligible for the Essential Benefits Plan, basic cover for anyone earning less than Dh4,000 per month.
The annual premium for these plans, which are offered by nine participating insurers, is capped at Dh700 a year and most companies are charging less.
Details of the providers can be found on the DHA website: isahd.ae/Home/DHAPIResults2016.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser and senior partner with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 20 years’ experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com. Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE
The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only.
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