Government & Regulations

In a significant move to provide financial security to Indian blue-collar workers in the UAE, a new insurance plan has been introduced, offering coverage of Dh35,000 for a nominal annual premium of Dh32. This initiative, coordinated by the Consulate General of India in Dubai, ensures that workers' families receive support in the event of natural or accidental death, along with additional disability coverage and repatriation of mortal remains.

A Step Towards Worker Protection

The plan was developed in collaboration with Nexus Insurance Brokers and Dubai National Insurance (DNI) to create an affordable life insurance package. Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India in Dubai, emphasized the importance of such policies, highlighting that this coverage applies not only in the UAE but globally, ensuring financial aid for workers’ families regardless of location.

The insurance policy includes:

• Natural and accidental death coverage up to Dh35,000

• Partial and full disability coverage

• Repatriation of mortal remains up to Dh12,000

Previously, most employers only provided insurance for work-related injuries and deaths. However, no mandatory policy covered natural deaths, leaving families without financial assistance. This initiative bridges that gap by ensuring a safety net for non-work-related deaths.

Expanded Insurance Plans for More Coverage

Beyond the basic Dh32 premium plan, additional insurance packages have been introduced, including:

• Dh50 premium for Dh50,000 coverage

• Dh75 premium for Dh75,000 coverage

• Dh100 premium for Dh100,000 coverage

These options are expected to benefit a broader range of workers and could be extended to other nationalities in the future. Insurance providers have assured that the plan remains highly budget-friendly, making it accessible for more employers to implement.

Free Digital Literacy Programme for Indian Workers

Alongside the insurance initiative, the Indian Consulate has also launched a free multilingual Online Digital Literacy Programme in collaboration with KMCC.

The eight-week course, accessible via Google Meet, aims to educate workers about:

1. Cybersecurity fundamentals and fraud protection (first four weeks)

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications and real-world usage (last four weeks)

The programme addresses increasing cyber fraud cases and aims to enhance digital awareness among workers, equipping them with essential skills to navigate the modern digital landscape.

Encouraging Employers to Participate

Authorities have urged employers to consider adopting this cost-effective insurance for their workers, ensuring financial protection for families in times of crisis. With around 7,000 workers already showing interest, the initiative is expected to expand significantly in the coming months.

Conclusion

With a minimal premium and extensive coverage, this new insurance plan marks a milestone in worker welfare in the UAE. Combined with digital literacy initiatives, it reflects a progressive step toward improving the financial and educational well-being of Indian laborers in the region.

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