UAE Reminds Private Firms To Meet Emiratisation Targets By End Of 2024

UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has renewed its call for private-sector companies in the country that are subject to Emiratisation policies to meet their 2024 targets by the end of December. The ministry said that non-compliant firms will be required to pay fines from January 1, 2025.

According to MoHRE, Emiratisation policies are applicable to establishments with 50 or more workers, who are required to ensure a 2% increase in the number of Emirati employees in skilled positions by the end of the year. Non-compliant firms of this size will face financial contributions of AED96,000 for each Emirati that has not been hired. A select group of companies employing 20 to 49 workers across 14 specified economic activities are also covered by Emiratisation policies. Companies in this category need to employ at least one Emirati and retain any Emiratis employed prior to January 1, 2024.

The ministry encouraged establishments to make use of the Nafis platform to connect with Emirati job seekers across various fields of specialisation, which will support these companies in meeting their required targets. Establishments to register their Emirati employees in pension, retirement, and social security systems and to process their monthly salaries through the Wage Protection System (WPS).