Emiratis are raising concerns about the recent surge in private sector companies that have been aggressively hiring them to meet quotas for Emiratisation. Many Emiratis have reported being approached on job platforms like LinkedIn based solely on their nationality, without consideration for their qualifications and skills. This has led to job seekers like Maryam Hamad, a freelance artist, receiving offers for roles that do not align with their expertise. Despite being offered higher salaries, these individuals emphasize the importance of finding a job that they are passionate about.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) had set a deadline of June 30 for private companies to meet the nationalisation targets by increasing the percentage of Emiratis in their workforce. In the weeks leading up to the deadline, there was a rush by companies to sign Emiratis on job contracts, even if the roles did not match their skills or experience. Some Emirati job-seekers highlighted that they received job contracts without formal interviews, raising concerns about the hiring process.
Hajar Hassan, a media and communication graduate, expressed gratitude for the Emiratisation programme but faced challenges in her job search as a fresh graduate. Despite receiving multiple offers, she struggled to find a role that matched her skills. Similarly, Sabta Mubarak, with eight years of experience in data entry, faced difficulties in finding a suitable job due to last-minute hiring by companies. This rush to fill quotas often leads to Emiratis being placed in roles that do not align with their expertise.
Private companies in the UAE are required to increase the percentage of their Emirati workforce annually to meet specific targets by 2026. Failure to comply with these targets results in fines for every Emirati not hired. Experts have pointed out the need for a year-round Emiratisation strategy to avoid hasty hiring practices that may not benefit the employees or the companies in the long run. Emiratis are advocating for a more considerate approach from companies that prioritizes their skills and qualifications over meeting quotas.
In conclusion, the Emiratisation programme aims to increase the representation of Emiratis in the private sector, but there are concerns raised by Emiratis about the hasty and sometimes inappropriate hiring practices by companies. It is essential for companies to consider the skills and qualifications of Emirati job seekers rather than solely focusing on meeting quotas. Emiratis deserve the opportunity to pursue careers that align with their expertise and passions, and a more thoughtful approach to hiring practices can benefit both employees and companies in the long term.
