The Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) has announced that the National Health Insurance Program for Residents came into effect on October 31, 2026.
Employers must enroll their foreign national employees in the scheme, along with their employees’ dependent family members where the employment contract provides for it.
Sponsors must also enroll their own family members. Coverage is linked to the issuance and renewal of work and residence permits.
Once a work permit has been issued or renewed, the employer will receive a payment notification and must promptly pay the health insurance contribution and visa fee through the LMRA portal. Once payment is processed and the permit is issued, health coverage under the scheme will be activated.
The employee can use their CPR (Central Population Register) identity card to access health coverage, which includes primary and secondary healthcare services, as well as treatment for emergencies and accidents.
Optional insurance packages offering additional benefits are also available to meet the needs of individuals and employers.
Domestic workers, residents employed by government entities, and their dependents are not covered by the program.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news becomes available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.