UAE Sets December 31 As Deadline For Companies To Hire Emirati Citizens Under Emiratisation Policy

UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has called on private sector companies employing 20 to 49 workers to expedite efforts to hire at least one Emirati citizen this year. It is to be noted that the grace period concludes at the end of 2024.

According to the ministry, the decision applies to over 12,000 companies operating across 14 key economic sectors, including finance and insurance; real estate; administrative and support services; education; health and social work; arts and entertainment; manufacturing; and accommodation and hospitality. Financial contributions of AED96,000 will be imposed on firms that do not meet their 2024 targets. MoHRE also cautioned firms against resorting to ‘Fake Emiratisation’ practices, which would expose them to strict financial penalties and administrative sanctions. 

The decision to expand the scope of companies targeted for Emiratisation to include those that employ 20 to 49 workers goes in parallel with ongoing efforts to achieve Emiratisation targets for companies in the country employing 50 or more workers, which are required to achieve a 2% annual growth in skilled job, leading to a 10% increase by the end of 2026.