Companies in the UAE employing 50 or more individuals must meet their Emiratisation quota by June 30. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) emphasizes a 1% increase in Emirati workforce before the deadline. Non-compliance after July 1 will result in penalties.
Meeting Emiratization Targets in the UAE
UAE companies with 50 or more workers must fulfill their semiannual emigration quota by June 30, according to a recent reminder from authorities. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) emphasized the need for these firms to increase their Emirati workforce by 1% before the deadline. Effective July 1, the ministry will monitor compliance closely and impose penalties for non-compliance.
Private enterprises in the UAE are obligated to progressively raise the percentage of their Emirati workforce by 2% each year, aiming to achieve a minimum of 10% by 2026. This target is segmented into two phases, with a 1% increase required in the first half and another 1% in the latter half of the year.
Current Workforce and Impact
A recent report by Mohre revealed that over 97,000 Emiratis are presently employed across more than 20,000 private companies in the nation. This robust Emirati workforce underscores the effectiveness of the government's Emiratization strategies, particularly the Nafis program, as noted by Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Earlier this year, Mohre initiated the implementation of a decision by the UAE Cabinet to extend Emiratization requirements to companies employing 20 to 49 individuals. This extension mandates over 12,000 companies, operating in 14 specific economic sectors, to hire at least one Emirati worker in 2024 and another in 2025. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure adherence to these regulations, resulting in over 1,300 violations identified from mid-2022 to May 16 of the current year.
Since the launch of the Nafis program in September 2021, the total number of Emirati employees in the private sector has surged by approximately 170%. This federal initiative aims to enhance the employability of Emiratis in the private sector, contributing to their increased representation in the workforce.
Mohre has urged companies to prioritize meeting monetization targets and has offered the Nafis platform as a resource. This platform contains data on qualified Emiratis seeking employment across various fields, equipped with the necessary competencies to contribute effectively.
Recently, Mohre took action against 1,379 companies found to be circumventing Emiratisation targets by "illegally hiring 2,170 UAE citizens" from mid-2022 to May 16. These companies faced fines and rating downgrades, and some cases were referred to the public prosecutor. Financial penalties were imposed retroactively from the commencement of the violation, and companies were required to undertake corrective measures promptly.
The UAE's Emiratisation drive reflects a concerted effort by the government to enhance the representation of Emiratis in the private sector workforce. Through regulatory measures, monitoring, and enforcement, authorities aim to ensure compliance with emancipation targets, ultimately fostering the development of national human capital and bolstering the country's economy.
