UAE employment alert: Companies mandated to register new Emirati employees within 30 days

Abu Dhabi: UAE companies have been asked to register employees within 30 days of employment, and create an account on the Ma’ashi digital platform.

The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) today said Emirati employees across the federal, government and private sectors (with the support of programs launched by the government such as NAFIS), are must be registered with the GPSSA within the first month of employment in order to ensure accuracy in calculating insurance and pension benefits.

Federal Law No. (7) of 1999 and Federal Law No. 57 of 2023 regarding pension and social security and its amendments mandates employers to register their Emirati employees in the federal, government and private sectors with the GPSSA within 30 days from joining the entity, given they meet the registration criteria.

To be successfully registered, the individual must not be less than 18 years of age when newly recruited and not more than 60. He/she must provide proof that they are medically fit to work upon appointment based on a medical clearance certificate issued by a UAE-based government hospital that does not exceed six months. These provisions apply to everyone who obtains the Emirati nationality at any time.

Registration of GCC employees

It is also mandatory to register GCC citizens working in the UAE in accordance with Cabinet Resolution No. (18) of 2007, which regulates the insurance protection extension system for GCC citizens employed outside their own home-country. The decision designates the GPSSA to act as the implementing body for the GCC’s extension protection system in the UAE.