Final Deadline for Hiring Emirati Citizens Set for December 31 Under Emiratisation Policy

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is urging private sector companies with 20 to 49 employees to accelerate their efforts to hire at least one Emirati citizen by the end of this year. This announcement comes as part of the government's initiative to broaden the scope of Emiratisation, with an additional requirement for companies to recruit at least one UAE national in 2025 as well.

This mandate impacts over 12,000 businesses across 14 key economic sectors, including information and communication, finance and insurance, real estate, professional and scientific activities, education, health and social work, arts and entertainment, mining, manufacturing, construction, wholesale and retail trade, transportation, warehousing, and hospitality. These sectors are experiencing significant growth and are well-positioned to provide suitable job opportunities.

To enforce this policy, financial contributions will be imposed on companies that fail to meet their Emiratisation targets. Companies not meeting the 2024 target will incur a fee of Dhs96,000, effective from January 2025. Similarly, a contribution of Dhs108,000 will be levied for failing to meet the 2025 target, with penalties beginning in January 2026.

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In a statement, the Ministry emphasized the importance of retaining Emirati employees hired before January 1, 2024. It also underscored the necessity for all UAE citizens employed to be registered in the country's pension and social security systems, as well as to have their salaries processed through the Wage Protection System (WPS).

MoHRE is encouraging companies to utilize the Nafis program, which offers access to a pool of qualified Emirati professionals ready to fill roles in various sectors. By registering on the Nafis platform and advertising their job vacancies, companies can meet Emiratisation targets while enhancing their competitiveness and increasing their chances of being prioritized on the government procurement platform.

Additionally, the Ministry is committed to supporting targeted companies through workshops designed to educate them on the processes of hiring Emirati citizens. These sessions aim to align with Emiratisation policies and highlight the benefits of compliance.

Furthermore, MoHRE has warned companies against engaging in "Fake Emiratisation" practices, which could lead to severe financial penalties and administrative sanctions. The recent decision to extend the Emiratisation mandate to companies with 20 to 49 employees aligns with ongoing efforts to fulfill Emiratisation goals for larger companies, which are required to achieve a 2% annual increase in skilled job placements, aiming for a total of 10% growth by the end of 2026.