DIFC Employee Workplace Savings (DEWS)
Manage DEWS contributions for DIFC-regulated employees. Calculate employer rates, process monthly filings, and ensure compliance with the defined contribution savings scheme that replaced traditional gratuity.
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DEWS Compliance Dashboard
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DEWS Contribution Rates
DEWS Contribution Rates
| Contribution Type | Service 0-5 Years | Service 5+ Years |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Mandatory | 5.83% of basic salary | 8.33% of basic salary |
| Employee Voluntary | Up to 100% of salary | Up to 100% of salary |
| Employer Voluntary | No limit | No limit |
| Risk Profile Options | Conservative to Aggressive | Conservative to Aggressive |
| Default Investment | Sharia-compliant moderate fund | Sharia-compliant moderate fund |
DEWS Contribution Calculation Example
DIFC employee with basic salary AED 15,000/month, 3 years of service
The 5.83% rate mirrors the traditional 21-days-per-year gratuity formula, and 8.33% mirrors 30 days per year. Unlike traditional gratuity, DEWS contributions are invested in employee-selected funds, so the payout includes investment returns (or losses).
DEWS Filing Deadlines & Obligations
DEWS Filing Deadlines & Obligations
| Obligation | Deadline | Portal | Penalty for Non-Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly contribution payment | 15th of the following month | Zurich DEWS Portal | Late payment surcharges + DIFC regulatory action |
| New employee enrollment | Within 30 days of start date | Zurich DEWS Portal | Backdated contributions with surcharges |
| Employee exit/withdrawal | Within 10 business days of last working day | Zurich DEWS Portal | Continued liability until processed |
| Annual contribution reconciliation | End of financial year | Employer records | Audit findings + DIFC scrutiny |
| Salary update notification | Within 30 days of salary change | Zurich DEWS Portal | Underpayment of contributions |
Understanding DIFC DEWS
What is DEWS and Why Was It Introduced?
The DIFC Employee Workplace Savings (DEWS) scheme was introduced on February 1, 2020, replacing the traditional end-of-service gratuity system for all employees of DIFC-regulated entities. DEWS is a defined contribution savings plan administered by Zurich International Life, designed to provide employees with a funded, portable savings benefit rather than an unfunded employer liability.
How DEWS Differs from Traditional Gratuity
Under the traditional gratuity system, end-of-service benefits were an unfunded employer liability calculated only at the time of termination. DEWS fundamentally changes this: contributions are made monthly into individual employee accounts, invested in professionally managed funds, and the accumulated value belongs to the employee. This means employees bear the investment risk but benefit from potential market returns, and employers have predictable monthly costs rather than a growing unfunded liability.
Contribution Rates Explained
The mandatory employer contribution rates mirror the traditional gratuity entitlement: 5.83% of basic salary for the first five years of service (equivalent to 21 days per year) and 8.33% for service beyond five years (equivalent to 30 days per year). These rates are calculated on basic salary only, excluding allowances and bonuses. Employees can also make voluntary contributions from their salary, and employers may add voluntary top-ups.
Investment Options and Default Fund
DEWS offers multiple investment profiles ranging from conservative (capital preservation) to aggressive (growth-oriented), including Sharia-compliant options. Employees must select their investment profile within 30 days of enrollment; otherwise, contributions are allocated to the default Sharia-compliant moderate-risk fund. Employees can change their investment allocation at any time through the Zurich portal.
DEWS Filing Process with Kiework
Contribution Calculation
Calculate monthly employer contributions at the correct rate (5.83% or 8.33%) based on each employee's basic salary and service length with the DIFC entity.
Kiework automatically tracks DIFC service years and applies the correct contribution rate, with automatic rate transitions at the 5-year mark.
Contribution File Generation
Generate the monthly contribution file in the format required by Zurich International Life for upload to the DEWS portal.
One-click file generation with all employee details, contribution amounts, and voluntary contribution elections pre-populated.
Portal Submission & Payment
Upload the contribution file to the Zurich DEWS portal and process the bulk payment before the 15th of the following month.
Automated deadline reminders, submission tracking, and payment reconciliation with payroll records.
Employee Communication
Provide employees with monthly contribution statements, manage voluntary contribution elections, and process exit withdrawals.
Self-service portal for employees to view DEWS statements, modify voluntary contributions, and track investment performance.
DEWS FAQ
Related Tools & Resources
DEWS Administration: Manual vs Kiework
Average metrics for a DIFC entity with 80 employees
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Automate DEWS Compliance
Stop managing DEWS (DIFC Employee Workplace Savings) manually. Kiework automates calculations, filing deadlines, and compliance validation — so you never miss a deadline.