In a landmark move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) cabinet has taken a significant stride forward with a resolution that introduced an optional alternative system to the traditional End-of-Service (EoS) gratuity system. This progressive resolution marks a new era in the country’s labor landscape, offering both employers and employees a more dynamic and customizable approach to EoS benefits.
One of the key aspects of the new system is its voluntary nature. Employers now have the option to choose from a selection of schemes for their employees, a significant departure from the previous, mandatory EoS gratuity system. This choice empowers both employers and employees to tailor their benefits to better suit their individual needs and long-term financial goals.
The existing EoS gratuity system operates on a simple principle—employers provide a lump-sum payment based on the employee’s last basic salary, only applicable after a year of employment. The new resolution offers a fresh perspective, allowing employers to have the choice to invest and save their employees’ gratuity through private-sector investments and saving funds, governed by the Securities and Commodities Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization.
Under the new system a diverse range of investment options has been made available to employers and employees. They can opt for a risk-free capital guarantee, a risk-based investment with varying levels of risk or a Sharia-compliant investment option. This diverse selection allows individuals to align their investments with their risk tolerance and ethical considerations, allowing for personalization and flexibility of their financial planning.
This innovative resolution not only allows employees more control over their EoS benefits, but also ensures their accrued returns are fully accessible upon termination of employment. This flexibility and empowerment of employees redefines the traditional model of end-of-service gratuity, equipping them with more financial freedom.
The optional alternative system to the EoS gratuity system is not just about providing employees with a flexible retirement planning tool. It also offers employers a sustainable and cost-effective method of fulfilling their obligations. The new optional alternative system highlights the UAE’s commitment to fostering an environment of financial security and long-term sustainability for both employers and their workforce.
It is important to know the new system is optional. Employers are not obliged to enroll their employees in this scheme. However, those who do opt in will contribute to these external funds monthly, securing a brighter financial future for their employees.
The resolution is a landmark moment in the UAE’s labor landscape. By introducing the optional alternative system to the EoS gratuity system, the government is paving the way for a future where employees enjoy greater control over their retirement benefits and employers are offered a more sustainable, cost-effective means of fulfilling their obligations. This forward-thinking resolution showcases the UAE’s commitment to progressive employment policies, which will result in a strong, more secure financial future for all.
Ahmed Ziad Galadari is an attorney with Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants in Dubai, UAE. © 2024 Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants. All rights reserved. Reposted with permission of Lexology.
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