UAE unemployment insurance: Last day to sign up ahead of October 1 fines

Employees can apply directly through the ILOE portal at or by downloading the ILOE mobile application, available for both Apple and Android devices.

Moreover, employees can subscribe to job loss insurance through SMS, or through various multiple subscription channels, including Etisalat by e& and the BOTIM app, a free Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) mobile application in the UAE.

Etisalat mobile users can initiate their ILOE subscription by sending an SMS to the number ‘2120’ in the following format ID <space> Emirates ID number.

The subscription amount will be either deducted from the account balance or added to the bill, depending on whether the user has a prepaid or postpaid line.

For those who prefer the convenience of the BOTIM app, signing up is as simple as clicking on the ‘ILOE’ icon on the app’s homepage.

Offline channels for subscribing to the scheme are also available, such as visiting Al Ansari Exchange branch.

The exchange house accepts cash payments for the insurance policy for those who prefer in-person transactions.

Moreover, MBME Pay and uPay kiosk machines, located in various public places across the UAE, offer additional avenues for subscription.

It is worth noting that the cost of the ILOE insurance varies depending on the employee’s salary, depending on two categories:

• For those earning a basic salary of AED16,000 or less, the insurance cost is AED5 per month or AED60 annually, with a monthly compensation of 60 percent of the basic salary, up to AED10,000.
• For employees with a basic salary of AED16,000 and above will pay AED10 per month or AED120 annually, with a monthly compensation of 60 percent of the basic salary, up to AED20,000.

However, those who fail to subscribe to the scheme by the deadline will face a fine of AED400.

Additionally, non-payment of insurance premiums as per the payment frequency will result in the cancellation of the insurance certificate, with a penalty of AED200 imposed.