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Abu Dhabi, 21th February 2025:  The first step to obtaining insurance benefits as per the federal pension and social security law is to register and create an account on the Ma’ashi digital platform in order to easily access all types of services using the UAE pass.

Emirati employees across the federal, government and private sectors (with the support of programs launched by the government such as NAFIS), are encouraged to remember to register with the GPSSA in a timely manner and within the first month of employment in order to ensure accuracy in calculating insurance and pension benefits.

Registration of Emiratis in the government and private sectors

In accordance with both Federal Law No. (7) of 1999 and Federal Law No. 57 of 2023 regarding pension and social security and its amendments, it is mandatory that employers ensure their Emirati employees in the federal, government and private sectors are registered with the GPSSA within 30 days from joining the entity, given they meet the registration criteria’s.

Registration requirements for Emirati employees

To be successfully registered with the GPSSA, 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 working in the UAE

It is 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.

Employer compliance with the provisions of the pension laws

Employers in the government and private sectors must adhere to the provisions of the laws applied by the GPSSA, with exception to the government and private sectors in the Abu Dhabi, and the government sector in Sharjah.

Registration becomes mandatory once a citizen joins an employer that is subject to the provisions of GPSSA’s laws.

Entities subject to the provisions of GPSSA’s laws

Corporations whose headquarters are located in one of the emirates in the UAE are subject to the provisions of the federal pension laws, with these provisions extending to their branches in other emirates.

Entities whose headquarters are based in Abu Dhabi, in addition to any of their branches regardless of where they are located in the UAE, are subject to the laws of the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund.

Free zones and entities operating in the tourism and hotel sectors that employ Emiratis or GCC citizens are required to verify their compliance with the provisions of the laws and to ensure newly recruited Emiratis are registered with the GPSSA within the first month of employment.

Registration responsibility to ensure insurance rights

The GPSSA stressed on the fact that it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure their employees register and contribute in a timely manner. That, however, does not exempt employees from making sure they are registered and that their monthly contributions are paid on time.

If employees find out they have not been registered by their entity, they must get in touch with the GPSSA in order to guarantee their insurance rights as per the pension laws in force, while ensuring the continuity of any government support received through various programs and initiatives.

Employers, insured individuals, pensioners, beneficiaries, agents, guardians and caretakers are encouraged to logon to the Ma’ashi digital platform to learn more about the services available, including and not limited to registration requirements, compliance mechanisms with pension laws, and information related to the insurance system in the UAE.