Commuting Accidents as Workplace Injuries Redefined

Accidents During Commuting Can Be Workplace Injuries in Some Cases

According to the latest announcement by the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) of the United Arab Emirates, accidents occurring during daily commuting to and from work may officially qualify as workplace injuries for certain employees. This means that affected insured Emirati employees or their eligible relatives may claim compensation if it can be proven that the injury was work-related.

Under the regulations, if an employee suffers total disability due to such an accident, the Sharia law entitles the beneficiary family members to compensation of 75,000 dirhams. If the accident results in partial disability, the insured is entitled to compensation proportional to the percentage of disability, calculated based on the base amount of 75,000 dirhams.

However, it is important to note that not every case qualifies for compensation. If the injury was self-inflicted intentionally by the employee, or if the accident was due to the consumption of prohibited substances, GPSSA will not provide compensation. Claims are also denied if it can be proven that the accident occurred due to violations of occupational safety regulations, security rules, or workplace instructions—official evidence from the competent authority is required for this.

This innovation represents a significant step forward in the legal and social protection of Emirati employees, as accidents during daily commuting are often entirely independent of the workers' intentions and can cause serious livelihood issues, especially if severe injury or disability occurs. GPSSA aims with this regulation to ensure the financial protection of those affected while maintaining the importance of accountability and compliance.

In the UAE, therefore, it is advisable for all employees to be aware of these rights and conditions, as the concept of workplace accidents now extends beyond just the workplace itself to include daily commuting to work. This is another example of how the country seeks to strengthen the social safety net while clearly delineating the boundaries of responsibility.

(Source of the article: General Pension and Social Security Authority announcement.)