The UAE General Pension and Social Security Authority has set out rules allowing insured Emiratis to maintain pension coverage during approved unpaid leave for postgraduate study or childcare. Participants must pay a monthly contribution equal to 26% of their contribution account salary, covering both employee and employer shares. The salary basis is fixed when the application is approved and does not change with subsequent salary adjustments. Eligible employees include men and women taking between one and three years of unpaid leave for postgraduate study at a recognized university, and working mothers taking up to three years for childcare. For childcare leave, the child must be under 18, although no age limit applies where the child is a Person of Determination. Paid contribution periods count as active service toward pension eligibility and calculation, while unpaid leave is excluded from the insurance record if the employee does not enroll or fails to make payments. Following employer approval of the leave, the employer initiates the application through the Ma'ashi digital platform for employee confirmation. Contributions are collected by direct debit, with participants receiving digital payment and overdue notifications.
2026-07-15General Pension and Social Security Authority
UAE General Pension and Social Security Authority sets 26% optional pension contribution for unpaid study and childcare leave
The UAE General Pension and Social Security Authority has established optional pension contributions for Emiratis taking approved unpaid leave for postgraduate study or childcare. Employees pay 26% of their contribution account salary, and paid periods count as active service toward pension eligibility and calculation. Eligible leave generally ranges up to three years and is administered through the Ma'ashi digital platform.