DUBAI, 19th February, 2017 (WAM)--H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has endorsed the Executive Council Resolution No (6) of 2017 pertaining to the implementation phases of mandatory health insurance in Dubai.

The Resolution defined the implementation phases for beneficiaries, entities responsible for providing the service and the deadlines for implementation. The Resolution stated that the Government of Dubai is responsible for providing health insurance coverage for UAE nationals from 1st June 2015 and employers are responsible for providing the health insurance coverage for expatriate employees from 1st January 2014.

The Resolution also obligates sponsors and guardians to provide the health insurance coverage for their families and domestic workers from 1st January 2014.

The Resolution stipulates that the health insurance requirements should include the provision of an essential health insurance plan through the DHAs approved electronic system. The health insurance card must be issued by an approved entity and the insurance policy must adhere to the relevant bylaws.

Dubai Health Authority is responsible for coordination with concerned authorities, especially the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, to link residency and visa systems with the health insurance system.

The Resolution stated that fines and measures stated in the Executive Council Resolution No (7) of 2016 will be applied on employers and sponsors that fail to provide the health insurance coverage before 31st March 2017 for their employees and families and before 31st December 2017 for visitors. The Director General of the Dubai Health Authority may extend these periods.

This Resolution is valid from the date of publication and will be published in the Official Gazette.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2017.