UAE announces new insurance plan for Indian employees

A comprehensive new insurance scheme aimed at providing financial protection for Indian blue-collar workers in the UAE is set to take effect from April 1. The Group Protection Insurance (GPI) plan, known as the Life Protection Plan (LPP), is designed to offer essential coverage in the event of death or disability, along with support for repatriation services.

Originally introduced by the Consulate General of India in Dubai in March 2024, the plan has now been expanded in collaboration with Dubai National Insurance (DNI) and Nexus Insurance Brokers. The initiative directly addresses the long-standing need for affordable life and disability insurance for Indian workers—the largest expatriate community in the UAE, numbering approximately 4.3 million.

For a minimal annual premium of AED 32, workers aged between 18 and 69 will receive coverage of AED 35,000 in the case of natural or accidental death. Additional benefits include:

- Coverage for partial and full disability

- Up to AED 12,000 for repatriation of mortal remains

This initiative fills a critical gap, as many previous employer-provided insurance plans covered only work-related incidents, leaving families vulnerable in cases of natural death.

There are also plans underway to expand the coverage to include workers from other nationalities, marking a move toward a more inclusive protection scheme.

Empowering Workers with Digital Skills

Complementing the insurance plan, the Consulate has also launched a Digital Literacy Programme in partnership with the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) and Edapt Learning Technologies. Targeting 5,000 Indian workers in its first year, the program aims to boost participants’ digital awareness and employability.

The eight-week course is delivered online and offered in multiple languages, with a curriculum split into two phases:

- Weeks 1–4: Cyber fraud awareness

- Weeks 5–8: Introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) applications

Graduates will receive joint certification from the Consulate and Edapt, enhancing their job prospects and technical confidence. According to Consul General Shri Satish Sivan, the program will evolve over time based on participant feedback to ensure its continued relevance and impact.

These initiatives form part of the Consulate General of India’s broader mission to uplift the lives of Indian workers in Dubai and the Northern Emirates—by safeguarding their futures and empowering them through education and opportunity.