MoHRE urges private sector to hire Emiratis by deadline

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has called on private sector companies with 20 to 49 employees to expedite the hiring of at least one Emirati by the end of 2024.

This initiative follows the Cabinet's decision on the Emiratisation Targets Policy, which also mandates the hiring of at least one citizen in 2025.

The Cabinet's decision impacts over 12,000 targeted companies identified based on their growth potential and ability to create jobs.

These companies span 14 key economic sectors, including information and communication, finance, education, health, and manufacturing.

All eligible companies have been electronically notified to comply and must also retain any Emirati employees hired before January 1, 2024.

Additionally, they must ensure their Emirati staff are registered in pension and social security systems and that salaries are processed through the Wage Protection System.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

Companies who fail  to meet the hiring targets will incur financial penalties of AED 96,000 in January 2025 and AED 108,000 in January 2026 for not meeting the 2025 target.

Benefits for Compliant Companies

Firms that meet these Emiratisation targets will benefit from increased competitiveness and business opportunities, including priority in government procurement processes. They are encouraged to utilize the Nafis program, which connects them with qualified Emiratis for job placements.

Severe Penalties for Fake Emiratisation

The Ministry warns against fake Emiratisation practices, stating that companies attempting this will face severe financial and administrative penalties.

Currently out of a population of 1.44 million Emirati's in the UAE, 116,000 of those work within the private sector. 

Additionally, Emiratisation targets for companies with 20 to 49 employees align with those for larger firms, which must achieve a 2% annual increase in the Emiratisation of skilled jobs, aiming for a total of 10% by the end of 2026.