By NursingManthra | Updated October 2026
A sudden job loss can put pressure on the whole family. Rent, school fees, loan repayments and everyday expenses continue even when the salary stops.
The UAE’s Involuntary Loss of Employment insurance, commonly called ILOE, provides temporary financial support to eligible employees who lose their jobs. For nurses and other professionals working in the UAE, understanding the policy—and keeping it active—is an important part of managing employment documents.
This guide explains who can subscribe, the insurance cost, the documents required and how to apply.
What Is ILOE Insurance?
ILOE is the UAE’s unemployment insurance scheme. It provides eligible insured employees with a cash benefit following qualifying involuntary job loss.
However, buying a policy does not immediately make an employee eligible for compensation. The employee must meet the subscription period and other claim conditions. Voluntary resignation and dismissal for disciplinary reasons are excluded. iloe.ae
Which Professionals Can Apply?
ILOE eligibility is based mainly on employment sector and employment status, rather than a particular profession. The scheme covers eligible UAE nationals and residents working in the private sector and federal government. MOHRE
Examples of professionals who may fall within these covered employment groups include:
- Healthcare professionals: registered nurses, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, laboratory professionals, radiographers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, paramedics and other allied health staff.
- Education professionals: teachers, lecturers and school administration staff.
- Office and technical professionals: accountants, engineers, IT professionals, HR staff and administrators.
- Other employees: sales staff, hospitality workers, drivers, technicians and customer service staff.
A nurse working as an employee in a private hospital, for example, should check their ILOE subscription just as any other eligible private-sector employee would.
Free-zone employees also have a registration route. The portal provides a “Non-Registered in MOHRE” option for free-zone workers. Confirm the correct sector with your employer’s HR department before registering. IFZA
Who Is Exempt?
The published exemptions include:
- Investors who own and manage the establishments where they work.
- Domestic workers.
- Temporary employees.
- Individuals under 18 years of age.
- Retirees receiving a pension who have joined a new employer.
A professional title alone does not establish eligibility. A clinic owner and a salaried employee of the same clinic may have different obligations. MOHRE
What Are the Advantages of ILOE Insurance?
The main advantage is a temporary income cushion during a difficult transition. An approved payment can help with essential expenses while the employee looks for another job.
Other practical benefits include:
- Affordable premiums: the standard premium starts at AED 5 per month before VAT.
- Simple subscription requirements: basic identification details and a valid UAE mobile number are the core requirements.
- Flexible payment options: published options include monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and annual payments, subject to the selected channel. iloe.ae
- Online access: employees can subscribe through the official website or app without an additional channel service charge. Dubai Insurance
ILOE Insurance Fees
There are two standard categories, determined by the employee’s basic monthly salary.
| Fee detail | Category A | Category B |
|---|---|---|
| Basic monthly salary | AED 16,000 or below | Above AED 16,000 |
| Monthly premium before VAT | AED 5 | AED 10 |
| Annual premium before VAT | AED 60 | AED 120 |
| Annual total including 5% VAT | AED 63 | AED 126 |
| Two-year total including 5% VAT* | AED 126 | AED 252 |
Two-year totals are calculated using the published standard premiums. Check the amount displayed at checkout.
Use basic salary when checking your category. Housing, transport and other allowances should not be added to the basic salary for this purpose. Policies are available for one or two years. Dubai Insurance
For example, an employee whose total monthly package is AED 18,000 but whose contractual basic salary is AED 12,000 falls within Category A on those figures.
Are There Additional Charges?
Direct subscription through the official ILOE website or mobile app carries no additional subscription service charge. Exchange houses and business centres may charge a separate service fee. Dubai Insurance
If you request assistance from a consultancy, ask for the insurance premium and any assistance charge to be quoted separately.
How Much Compensation Can an Eligible Employee Receive?
The monthly benefit is 60% of the average basic salary during the six months before job loss, subject to the category limit:
- Category A: maximum AED 10,000 per month.
- Category B: maximum AED 20,000 per month.
- Duration: up to three consecutive months per approved claim.
The combined benefit across the employee’s working life in the UAE is limited to 12 monthly benefits, regardless of the number of claims. Dubai Insurance
Example for a Nurse
If a nurse’s average basic salary for the relevant six months is AED 6,000, the illustrative monthly benefit would be:
AED 6,000 × 60% = AED 3,600
If approved and the nurse remains eligible for all three months, the illustrative total would be AED 10,800.
This is an estimate. The insurer assesses the actual claim using official records and supporting documents. iloe.ae
Documents and Details Required to Subscribe
The official subscription checklist identifies:
- Emirates ID number, or the applicable Unified Number/work permit number.
- A valid UAE mobile number.
The mobile number should be accessible so the applicant can complete verification. iloe.ae
It is also useful to keep the following ready when completing the application:
- Date of birth and personal details.
- Employer name and employment sector.
- Employment contract to confirm the basic salary.
- Email address for correspondence.
- A payment method accepted by the portal.
These are practical preparation items; the live portal determines the fields and uploads required for your application.
For healthcare professionals, DataFlow reports, degree certificates and DHA, DOH or MOHAP licensing documents are not listed in the standard ILOE subscription checklist. iloe.ae
How to Apply for ILOE Insurance Online
Step 1: Open the Official Website
Visit www.iloe.ae and select “Subscribe/Renew Here.”
Step 2: Select the Correct Employment Sector
Choose the option that matches your employment:
- Private sector.
- Federal government.
- Non-Registered in MOHRE, where applicable.
Free-zone workers should check the relevant non-MOHRE route. If you are unsure, ask HR before proceeding. IFZA
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
Enter the requested identification and mobile details. Request the OTP and complete verification.
Step 4: Check Your Personal Details and Category
Review the information carefully, including your salary category. Resolve incorrect information before paying.
Step 5: Select the Policy and Payment Options
Choose the available policy duration and payment frequency, read the terms and complete payment.
Step 6: Save the Insurance Certificate
Download your certificate and payment receipt. Check the policy dates and keep a renewal reminder. The official user manual explains the verification, review and payment process. iloe.ae
When Can You Claim ILOE Benefits?
Key requirements include:
- At least 12 consecutive months of subscription.
- Payment of premiums according to the agreed plan.
- A qualifying involuntary job loss.
- Submission within the applicable claim deadline.
The standard deadline is within 30 days of termination. Contact ILOE promptly if a labour dispute affects your case. Dubai Insurance
Resignation and disciplinary dismissal are excluded. Compensation also stops when the employee finds another job during the benefit period. iloe.ae
If you have already lost your job, purchasing insurance now does not provide immediate cover for that earlier loss.
Documents Required for an ILOE Claim
A compensation claim requires more evidence than a new subscription. The official claim guide lists the following supporting documents:
- Emirates ID, passport and visa.
- Employment contract.
- Employment-ending letter showing the circumstances of the job loss.
- Residency cancellation document, where applicable.
- Bank statement.
- Labour complaint documents, if there is an active complaint.
- Entry/exit movements report, where applicable.
- Any other supporting documents requested.
The guide exempts UAE nationals, GCC nationals and Golden Visa holders from the residency cancellation requirement. UAE nationals are exempt from the entry/exit movements report requirement.
Upload clear, readable files under the correct document category. The guide states that the total uploaded file size must not exceed 5 MB. Follow the live portal if its requirements change. iloe.ae
Although the upload guide mentions resignation letters among document types, this does not make voluntary resignation eligible for compensation. iloe.ae
How to Submit a Claim
Visit the official ILOE website and select “Submit your claim.” Complete the identity verification, check the employment information, provide the requested payment details and upload the supporting documents.
Claims can also be submitted through the official app, with assistance available through the ILOE call centre at 600 599 555. Keep your submission reference and respond promptly to requests for further information. Dubai Insurance
Fines and Missed Payments
Published MOHRE guidance identifies:
- AED 400 for failure to subscribe when required.
- AED 200, together with policy cancellation, when premiums remain unpaid for more than three months under the selected payment schedule.
Do not assume that a policy remains active simply because you registered previously. Check your certificate, expiry date and payment status. MOHRE
Common Questions
Can nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals subscribe?
Yes, when their employment falls within a covered sector and they are not exempt. Eligibility depends on employment status rather than holding a healthcare licence. MOHRE
Is AED 63 the yearly fee for everyone?
No. AED 63 is the standard annual amount including VAT for Category A. Category B costs AED 126 annually including VAT, based on the published premiums. iloe.ae
Can I receive compensation immediately after subscribing?
No. The minimum subscription period is 12 consecutive months, and all other claim conditions must be met. Dubai Insurance
What if I cannot download my certificate?
Log in through the official portal or app, select your sector, verify your details and open “View Policy Details.” If the certificate remains unavailable, contact ILOE support. iloe.ae
Need Guidance With Your ILOE Application?
Unsure which sector to select or what documents to keep ready? Contact NursingManthra with your query so you can understand the application requirements and any available assistance.
Before requesting paid assistance, ask for a clear breakdown of the official insurance premium and any separate service charge. Claim approval and compensation are determined by the insurer under the policy conditions.
Official ILOE website: www.iloe.ae
ILOE helpline: 600 599 555
ILOE email: [email protected].
Contact Nursing Manthra
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/971502515717
UAE: +971 502 515 717
India: +91 6828756689
Website: https://nursingmanthra.com/
Candidates may share their educational and professional documents for an initial review.
About the Author
Shincy George, RN, MSN (Cardiothoracic Nursing), SCFHS-RN, DHA RN, MOH UAE RN, NCLEX-RN (USA), is the Founder of Nursing Manthra Academy.
With extensive international clinical and academic experience, she is dedicated to guiding healthcare professionals through global licensing pathways. Through Nursing Manthra, she supports internationally educated healthcare professionals in achieving their career goals across Canada, USA, UAE, Middle East, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries.
Her mission is to simplify complex licensing processes and empower healthcare professionals with the right knowledge, guidance, and support to succeed globally.
