The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) has unveiled the Shourak programme, a groundbreaking initiative designed to facilitate career changes for insured Emiratis in the federal, government, and private sectors. Shourak, which serves as an end-of-service continuation programme, offers over 100,000 insured Emiratis the opportunity to merge their employment periods without incurring any additional fees. This transformative project aligns with the UAE’s vision ‘We the UAE 2031’ and aims to provide comprehensive information and support to insured individuals and their organizations.
Eligibility Criteria and Benefits of Shourak:
To be eligible for Shourak, Emiratis must be employed in entities subject to the UAE Pension Law. Additionally, insured individuals transferring from another pension fund to the GPSSA can benefit from the merge process, provided that HR regulations do not impede the transfer. Under Shourak, the service period of the insured continues seamlessly, and any differences in the merger cost are covered by the subsequent employing entity after the transfer of the end-of-service amount.
Obtaining Shourak: Steps and Requirements:
To obtain Shourak, insured individuals must inform their employers of their choice not to receive the value of their end-of-service gratuity for their service period, but instead merge it with subsequent employment. The process involves downloading an application for non-payment of the end-of-service gratuity, which must be signed by both the insured and the employer on or before the end-of-service date. The completed acknowledgment form is then attached to the end-of-service form along with other necessary documents. It is crucial to submit the merge request within one month of joining the new entity.
Exceptions and Limitations:
Any end-of-service applications submitted prior to July 1 were rejected in adherence to the terms and conditions of Shourak eligibility. Notably, pensioners and individuals with less than one year of service are not eligible for Shourak. While Shourak remains in effect until the insured reaches retirement age, there are certain circumstances where its utilization is prohibited, such as voluntary withdrawal from the merge process, joining a new employer after six months, submitting the merge request more than one month after joining the new entity, reaching the legal retirement age of 60, or the insured’s decease before completing the merge process.
Potential Rejection of Shourak Application:
Applicants must adhere to specific timelines and requirements to benefit from Shourak. It is imperative that the insured joins a new entity within six months of the end-of-service date and submits the merge request within one month of joining. Any financial liabilities from the previous service period, including legal alimony debt, government payments, recovery of wrongfully granted amounts, or unethical conduct during working hours, may result in the denial of Shourak benefits.
Employer Responsibilities and Compliance:
Entities play a vital role in ensuring the successful implementation of Shourak. From completing necessary registration requirements within the first month of employment to ensuring timely transfer of the insured’s monthly contributions, employers must be aware of and comply with GPSSA’s guidelines to ensure comprehensive insurance benefits for the entire service period.
The introduction of the Shourak programme by the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) marks a significant step towards facilitating career transitions for insured Emiratis. This pioneering initiative allows insured individuals to merge their employment years seamlessly, opening doors for new opportunities without additional costs. With the implementation of Shourak, the GPSSA demonstrates its commitment to supporting the UAE’s vision for a thriving and dynamic workforce.