Social security Contribution helps people get support from the government when they retire, get sick, lose their job, or can’t work anymore. These systems vary by country and often differentiate between national and non-national employees in terms of coverage and benefits. While each country has its unique approach, common goals include expanding coverage for nationals and expatriates, ensuring timely benefit disbursement, and addressing demographic shifts. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the Middle East—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—have spearheaded most of these reforms, though systems in countries like Iran, Iraq, and Israel also demonstrate evolving models.
Social Security Contribution across the Middle East have undergone considerable reforms in recent years, reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and modernization. This article breaks down what’s happening in the Middle East countries and about their reforms related to these contributions.
Bahrain : A Leader in Inclusive Reform
The Social Insurance Organization (SIO) ( المؤسسة العامة للتأمينات الاجتماعية ) is the official and only entity responsible for managing various social insurance and pension schemes for both public and private sector employees. The main objective is to offer broad insurance coverage for various life risks, including old age, disability, death, work-related injuries, and unemployment.
Social security contributions in Bahrain must be filed through the official Social Insurance Organization (SIO) portal: https://www.sio.gov.bh. The site provides services for registration, contribution submission, and access to insurance records.
Social Insurance Laws by Sector
- Private Sector → Law No. 24 of 1976 (amended)
- Public Sector → Law No. 13 of 1975
- Unemployment Insurance → Law No. 78 of 2006
Who Is Covered?
- Bahraini employees: Full pension, insurance, and unemployment benefits
- Expatriate (non-Bahraini) employees: Limited coverage (no pension, but work injury, unemployment insurance, and gratuity)
Social Insurance Contribution Rates (2025)
| Bahraini Employees | Expatriate Employees |
|---|---|
| Employee Pays: 8% of salary | Employee Pays: 1% of salary |
| Employer Pays: 17% of salary | Employer Pays: 3% of salary |
| 25% (Total contribution rate for 2025) | 4% (Total contribution rate for 2025) |
Additionally, other contributions are :
- The employer is required to contribute a monthly amount equivalent to 4.2% of the employee’s salary during the first three years of service, increasing to 8.4% for each year thereafter until the employment ends. Bahrainis receive a monthly pension after retirement instead of a one-time gratuity.
- In addition, to collect a full pension at normal retirement age (NRA), the minimum period of insured employment is 20 years.
Saudi Arabia : Raising Retirement Age and Expanding Benefits
The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) ( المؤسسة العامة للتأمينات الاجتماعية) is a governmental entity that is independent financially and administratively and provides social protection and insurance coverage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It covers:
- Saudi civil and military employees
- Private sector workers
- Eligible GCC nationals working in the Kingdom
Social security contributions in Saudi Arabia must be filed through General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) portal: https://www.gosi.gov.sa/ar
2025 GOSI Contribution Rates in Saudi Arabia
| Employee Type | Employee Rate | Employer Rate | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Saudi Subscribers (Registered on/after 3 July 2024) | 10.25% (9.5 % pension + 0.75 % unemployment) | 13.00% (9.5 % pension + 1.5 % unemployment + 2 % hazards) | 23.25% |
| Legacy Saudi Subscribers (Registered before 3 July 2024) | 9.75% (9 % pension + 0.75 % unemployment) | 12.50% (9 % pension + 1.5 % unemployment + 2 % hazards) | 22.25% |
Note: Saned (ساند) is Saudi Arabia’s Unemployment Insurance Program, administered by the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI). It provides temporary financial assistance to Saudi citizens who lose their jobs involuntarily (i.e., layoffs or company closures).
Additionally, other contributions are :
- Retirement age will rise to 65 years.
- Contributions are calculated on the sum of:
- Basic Salary + Housing Allowance
- However, if this total exceeds SAR 45,000, contributions are still capped at SAR 45,000.
-
For Non-Saudi Employees:
- Only the 2% occupational hazard insurance applies.
- This contribution is paid by the employer.
- Non-Saudis are not eligible for pension or unemployment insurance through GOSI.
Qatar : Private Sector Reform and Early Retirement Adjustments
The General Retirement & Social Insurance Authority (GRSIA) ( الهيئة العامة للتقاعد والتأمينات الاجتماعية) plays a vital role in supporting Qatari citizens by managing social security and pension funds. This aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, aiming for sustainable social and economic development and securing a better future for all Qataris.
Social security contributions in Qatar must be filed through General retirement & Social Insurance Authority (GRSIA) portal: https://www.grsia.gov.qa/ar/pages/Home.aspx
| Employer Rate | Employee Rate | Maximum value |
|---|---|---|
| 14% | 7% | 100,000 QAR |
The state also introduced:
- Public sector employees receive a guaranteed minimum pension of QAR 15,000 per month. No minimum pension has been set for the private sector yet.
- The minimum retirement age has been increased to 50 years.
- Employees who have contributed for at least 15 years may receive a housing allowance of up to QAR 6,000 per month upon retirement (subject to conditions).
Expatriates (Non Qatari/GCC)
- No social insurance contributions — neither from you nor your employer
- Expatriates are excluded from the national pension system.
- Expatriates instead get end-of-service benefits per Labor Law: typically, 21 days’ basic wage per year of service as end-of-service gratuity.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) : Changing Reforms
All public and private entities across the UAE are required to register their Emirati employees with the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) (الهيئة العامة للمعاشات والتأمينات الاجتماعية) from the very first month of employment. The GPSSA is the official body responsible for implementing pension laws covering:
- Federal government employees,
- Local government employees,
- Emirati nationals working in the private sector.
Social security contributions in UAE must be filed through General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) portal: https://gpssa.gov.ae/pages/ar
Social Security Contributions for Emirati Nationals
| Contribution Type | Federal Law No. 7 of 1999 | Federal Decree Law No. 57 of 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Applies To | Emiratis employed before 31 Oct 2023 | Emiratis employed on or after 31 Oct 2023 |
| Employee Contribution | 5% of contributable salary | 11% of contributable salary |
| Employer Contribution | 12.5% (15% in Abu Dhabi) | 15% of contributable salary |
| Government Contribution | 2.5% (private sector emirates only) | 2.5% (private sector emirates only) |
| Total Contribution | 20% (5% + 12.5% + 2.5%) | 28.5% (11% + 15% + 2.5%) |
Alternative End-of-Service Benefits Scheme
The UAE has introduced a new Alternative End-of-Service Benefits Scheme for private sector employees, which gradually replaces the traditional lump-sum gratuity payment with a monthly savings model.
Employer Contribution Rates
| Length of Service | Employer Contribution |
|---|---|
| Less than 5 years | 5.83% of basic monthly salary |
| 5 years or more | 8.33% of basic monthly salary |
Several regional trends stand out
- Expatriates (non-GCC nationals) do not contribute to UAE social security systems and are instead entitled to end-of-service gratuity under UAE labor law.
- GCC Nationals typically contribute to social security in their home countries, not within the UAE.
- An Emirati national may be eligible for an early retirement pension if:
- an insured man reaches 55 years and completes 20 years of insured service
- an insured woman reaches 50 years and completes 20 years of insured service.
Conclusion
In this article, we took a closer look at the social security systems in several Middle Eastern countries, with a spotlight on Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. These nations have emerged as key economic centers in the region and are backed by robust and evolving social security frameworks designed to support their fast-growing workforces. At the same time, countries like Oman, Kuwait, and Israel are actively working to develop and strengthen their social security laws, reflecting a broader regional push to enhance social protection. Altogether, this overview highlights how social security in the Middle East is continuously adapting to keep pace with changing economic and social needs.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The content of this article is not intended to create and receipt of it does not constitute any relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel.