Two schemes run through the Social Insurance Organization (SIO, also called GOSI) for expat workers in the private sector.
1. End-of-service gratuity (paid by the employer)
- Your employer pays SIO 4.2% of your monthly wage for each of the first three years, then 8.4% for every year after that. Nothing comes out of your salary for this.
- At the end of your job, SIO pays the gratuity as one lump sum: 15 days' pay per year for the first three years, then one month's pay per year after that.
- It is worked out on your basic salary plus social allowance only. Housing, transport and other allowances do not count.
- You apply on the SIO website with an advanced-level eKey and attach your bank account details. Payment is made within 5 working days.
- If you move to another company, you still get the gratuity for your time at the old one.
- If your employer refuses to pay, you can complain to the LMRA Expatriate Protection Centre in North Seha.
2. Unemployment insurance (shared)
- 1% of your wage is deducted from your pay, your employer pays another 1%, and the government adds 1%.
- Expats can claim only if they are legally resident for work and did not leave the job voluntarily. They also need 12 months of contributions for a first claim.
- Compensation is 60% of your average wage over the last 12 months, capped at BD 1,000 a month. It is paid for up to 9 months.
Steps
- Check your SIO record with your eKey to see the contributions paid for you.
- When your job ends, apply for the gratuity on the SIO website with an advanced eKey and your bank details.
- If the employer refuses to pay, file a complaint with the LMRA Expatriate Protection Centre.