Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) has signed an agreement with Dubai Insurance Company to be the first to roll out the Workforce Protection Programme which aims to provide improved benefits for thousands of employees. The agreement, which will cover companies based in Jafza, National Industries Park and Dubai Auto Zone, will replace the previous bank guarantee system. Under the Workforce Protection Programme, companies avail insurance coverage that will help protect their workers in case of wage default by their employers. This coverage will extend to all existing Jafza sponsored employees as their visas come up for renewal and will be applied by default to new workers once they receive their work visas. Under the agreement with DIC, the insurance coverage will be provided to all employees of the companies that have signed up for the Insurance Programme and are registered in accordance with Jafza's rules and regulations and the UAE Labour Law.