The Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) scheme is the UAE's mandatory unemployment insurance. Almost every employee in the UAE — federal government and private sector alike — must hold an active policy, and letting it lapse triggers automatic fines. Here's the practical guide to renewing it, what it costs, and how to actually use it if you lose your job.
Who must have ILOE insurance?
All employees in the UAE federal sector and private sector, including free-zone employees in most zones. The main exemptions are investors/business owners working in their own business, domestic workers, temporary-contract workers, juveniles under 18, and retirees drawing a pension who have started a new job.
If you're employed in the UAE and none of those apply — you need an active policy.
What it costs
ILOE pricing is split into two salary categories:
- Category A — basic salary AED 16,000 or less: AED 5/month (AED 60/year). Claim benefit: up to AED 10,000/month.
- Category B — basic salary above AED 16,000: AED 10/month (AED 120/year). Claim benefit: up to AED 20,000/month.
The benefit pays 60% of your average basic salary (over the six months before job loss) for up to three consecutive months per claim.
How to renew (five minutes, honestly)
You can subscribe or renew through any of these official channels:
- The ILOE portal — iloe.ae, log in with Emirates ID
- The ILOE mobile app (iOS/Android)
