UAE: Benefits of Choosing the Optional Savings Scheme Over End-of-Service Gratuity

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) of the United Arab Emirates has urged private sector companies to choose a "savings system" instead of the customary end-of-service gratuity.

This new approach seeks to give workers and businesses a range of operational and financial advantages. Emphasizing that the linked savings funds are credible and have the required national approvals, MoHRE listed nine basic advantages in all, six addressed at companies and three at employees.

MoHRE claims that by encouraging medium term cost efficiency, the savings system improves corporate operations. Unlike the end-of-service gratuity, this program is designed to assist companies in proactively managing their financial responsibilities and over time improving their financial situation. Moreover, this strategy strengthens a company's standing in the UAE labor market, so drawing in and keeping top talent and so enhancing employee loyalty and happiness. Encouragement of businesses to establish a strong financial basis helps to position the savings system to eventually support improved general company health.

The savings system presents many clear benefits for businesses. Being more cost-effective than the conventional end-of-service gratuity system, it lowers medium-term costs. It also encourages a proactive attitude to managing financial obligations, therefore improving the financial situation of a business and strengthening its reputation among both current and future staff. Moreover, the program increases employee happiness and loyalty since it gives them dependable long-term financial planning choices. The capacity of employees to increase their financial assets helps them as reliable and safe investment routes produce rewards. Because employees feel security and satisfaction knowing their financial assets are being managed and expanded, this financial growth potential also favorably affects productivity.

The savings system gives staff members many advantages meant to improve personal financial stability and planning. One of the main benefits is the development of employees' financial assets, which solid investment paths help them to increase over time. Furthermore, this method guarantees that workers will get their dues independent of the financial situation of their company, therefore promoting family stability and giving workers piece of mind. The program also raises awareness of financial planning, gives workers more control over their own funds, and offers the choice to keep making investments in their savings long after they leave the company should they so want.

Companies interested in this system can register via MoHRE's service channels, choose from approved investment funds, and pay subscriptions on behalf of staff members they choose to register under. The end-of-service gratuity system will apply up to the date of employee enrollment in the new system for those who currently work for the company before registering in the savings system. Employees' financial obligations will be computed from the enrollment date forward using the new savings system, therefore guaranteeing appropriate handling of both past and future contributions. When an employee leaves the company, the savings from the new savings plan as well as the conventional gratuity will be distributed in whole.

MoHRE also lets staff members freely contribute, up to 25% of their pay, to their savings. Under program terms and conditions, employees may withdraw these extra contributions—either partially or totally—as well as the investment returns they create. Should a person move to another firm, they still have the choice to keep investing with the same fund or gather their savings from their former workplace. Should the new company take part in the savings program, they can choose a new fund manager or undertake payment responsibility using the same fund.

Designed to help businesses as well as individuals, the savings system is a creative way for UAE retirement and end-of-service financial planning. Giving companies in the private sector a sustainable solution, it improves business resilience, employee happiness, and financial stability.