Private sector companies in the UAE employing 20 to 49 workers have been reminded by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) to hire at least one Emirati before the final deadline on December 31. Companies are advised not to wait until the end of the grace period that concludes at the end of 2024. Failure to meet the targets set for 2024 will result in financial penalties of Dh96,000, which will be collected starting January 2025. Additionally, fines amounting to Dh108,000 will be imposed for failure to meet the 2025 targets, to be collected as of January 2026.
Companies are also cautioned against engaging in ‘fake emiratisation’ practices, which can lead to strict financial penalties and administrative sanctions. Participating in false Emiratisation practices can result in administrative fines ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000 for each instance, depending on the number of offenses. Moreover, circumventing Emiratisation targets will lead to fines ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh500,000.
The decision to expand the scope of Emiratisation to include companies with 20 to 49 employees aligns with ongoing efforts to meet targets for companies with 50 or more workers. Larger firms are required to achieve a 2% annual increase in skilled jobs, aiming for a total 10% growth by the end of 2026. The Ministry emphasized the need for targeted companies to retain Emirati employees hired before January 1, 2024, ensure that all employed UAE citizens are registered in the country’s pension and social security systems, and process their monthly salaries through the Wage Protection System (WPS).
The Cabinet’s decision to expand the scope of companies targeted for Emiratisation is aimed at recruiting at least one UAE citizen in 2025. This decision applies to over 12,000 companies operating across 14 key economic sectors, including information and communication, finance and insurance, real estate, professional, scientific, and technological activities, among others. These sectors are currently experiencing rapid growth and have the potential to provide jobs and a suitable working environment.
Companies are encouraged to benefit from the support offered by the Nafis program, which provides access to a wide pool of qualified Emirati professionals ready to fill positions across various economic sectors. By registering on the Nafis platform to advertise their job vacancies, companies can not only meet their Emiratisation targets but also enhance their competitiveness and expand their business opportunities. The Ministry is committed to providing support to targeted companies through workshops designed to raise awareness about how to hire Emirati citizens in compliance with Emiratisation decisions and policies, and the benefits of adhering to them. Stay up to date with the latest news by following KT on WhatsApp Channels.
