Abu Dhabi clarifies sponsors exempt from penalties for failing to insure sponsored recipients

In the abscond case, the Ministry of Health said no fines or violations will be imposed on sponsors from the day the absconded worker is reported to the authorities until the situation is rectified. Sponsors will need to provide official documentation that the relevant government agency has been notified of the absconded worker.

Likewise, if a sponsor dies, no fines or violations will be imposed as long as an official death certificate is issued and shared with the relevant government agency.

If an individual is found to be living in Abu Dhabi illegally without a valid residence visa, no violation or fine will be imposed on the sponsor.

The Ministry of Health encourages all residents to subscribe and renew their health insurance to safeguard their health and wellbeing. Members can contact their health insurance company for continuity of their health insurance policy to ensure they avoid any penalties for not subscribed to health insurance.

According to the Ministry of Health, personally sponsored individuals who paid fines between October 24, 2021 and the announced deadline extended to November 11, 2021, are eligible to apply to the relevant health insurance company for a refund of the fines paid. An appeal fee of Dh100 will be deducted from the fines paid.

Last year, the Ministry of Health announced that the exemption from fines for individuals sponsored by individuals who did not join or renew their health insurance plans would be valid until the end of 2021. In addition, the authorities confirmed that individuals who are not enrolled in a health insurance plan will be fined Dh300 per month for each uninsured month under the Health Insurance Law No. 23/2005 and its amendments and implementing regulations.

“The Ministry of Health has been working diligently to ensure that quality healthcare is provided to all community members in accordance with best international practice. It is vital that all members of our community regularly check for the latest updates on health insurance and renew it in a timely manner to ensure that they are Access to relevant healthcare facilities when needed,” said Dr Mariam Al Mazrouei, executive director of the DoH’s healthcare payments division.

Individuals wishing to inquire about the health insurance subscription procedure can contact any health insurance company in the emirate, or the Ministry of Health directly.