Glossary

DEWS — DIFC Employee Workplace Savings

Updated

DEWS is the DIFC Employee Workplace Savings scheme, the funded savings system that replaces traditional end-of-service gratuity for employees of DIFC-registered firms.

What it does

Since February 2020, DIFC employers contribute monthly to DEWS — 5.83% of basic salary in the first 5 years of an employee's service, 8.33% thereafter. The contributions are paid into a regulated savings vehicle that the employee owns; employees can also make voluntary top-ups. Unlike traditional gratuity (which the employer pays at end-of-service from operating cash), DEWS is fully funded throughout employment.

Key facts

TypeFunded savings scheme
JurisdictionDIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)
EffectiveFebruary 2020
Employer contribution5.83% basic (first 5 years); 8.33% thereafter
Voluntary top-upYes — employee can add
PortabilityStays with employee across DIFC employers
Official portaldifcdews.com

Where DEWS appears on this site

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