Ministry of Interior launches domestic helpers insurance policy

As part of its efforts to develop innovative solutions, the Ministry of Interior launched an insurance policy that guarantees the rights of the insurer in relation to the domestic helpers. The policy involves a strategic partnership with the private sector.

This move, in line with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s declaration of 2017 as the Year of Giving, is aimed at supporting individuals, as well as companies in the private sector, besides promoting a sense of social responsibility.

The policy will help individuals to fulfil their responsibilities and commitments as sponsors of domestic helpers who have a residency visa, as per the applicable law, and a valid work permit, as sanctioned by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

At a joint press conference held on Tuesday along with the strategic partner ‘AXA Green Crescent,’ Dr. Rashed Sultan Al Khedr, the official spokesman for Citizenship, Residence and Port Affairs, Ministry of Interior, reiterated the keenness of the police leadership to ensure satisfaction of all those who opt for it.

He also pointed out that the AXA’s Domestic Helpers Protection Plan will be optional for Emirati and expatriate sponsors, and will help them in fulfilling their responsibilities and duties towards domestic workers in possession of a valid visa and work permit.

Lt. Colonel Hamad Al Nuaimi, the Chairman of the Initiative Supervising Committee, said the focus was on offering a creative insurance plan involving an annual premium starting from AED 100.

He said the ministry chose AXA Green Crescent as its strategic partner after diligent research to offer best services to the citizens and residents. The effort was part of the government’s commitment to ensure the satisfaction of individuals, families and the entire society.

On his part, Dr. Abdel Kerim Al Zarouni, a board member of AXA Green Crescent, expressed the company’s gratefulness for having been chosen by the government as a strategic partner, and reiterated the company’s commitment to ensuring the success of this initiative by offering the best solutions and services for the people of the UAE.

The Insurance Authority also backed the initiative, which would strengthen the organisational framework in line with the technical regulations governing the sector.

It would provide a means of social protection for the community, particularly for the insurance policy holders, and would help make the local market and the UAE’s economy more competitive, the AI said.

In a press release, it underlined its support of the initiative within the framework of organising the insurance sector in the UAE and inculcating a sense of social responsibility in the local community, apart from working with the governmental bodies for development partnerships and evolving mechanisms for cooperation.