MoHRE urges private sector to meet Emiratisation targets by December 31

The announcement was made via X (formerly Twitter), on Wednesday. The post read, “Calling all our partners in the private sector. 31 December is the deadline to meet 2024 Emiratisation targets for Establishments included in the decision. The Emiratisation targets apply to establishments with 50 or more employees, which must achieve a 2 per cent increase in the Emiratisation of skilled positions by the end of this year. Financial penalties are imposed on non-compliant establishments, amounting to AED 96,000 for each Emirati national not hired in accordance with the Emiratisation targets.”

Calling all our partners in the private sector.. 31 December is the deadline to meet 2024 Emiratisation targets for Establishments included in the decision.

The Emiratisation targets apply to establishments with 50 or more employees, which must achieve a 2% increase in the… pic.twitter.com/SPmqlQoSSF

— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) December 25, 2024

The post clarified that the same deadline applies to companies within the 20-49 employee category, specifically those in rapidly growing economic sectors. These companies are required to hire at least one Emirati and retain previously employed Emirati nationals before January 1, 2025.

Those who fail to adhere to the targets will face fines of AED 96,000 for each Emirati national not hired.

The authority hired compliance levels recording over 124,000 Emirati nationals employed across 23,000 private companies, WAM reported.

Companies are urged to utilise the Nafis programme and register Emirati nationals to the UAE’s pension, retirement, and social security systems, as well as ensuring salary transfer through the Wage Protection System (WPS).

The Ministry emphasised the effectiveness of its monitoring system in detecting fraudulent practices, including fake Emiratisation efforts and attempts to bypass the targets.

It outlined that companies found in violation face legal actions, such as reclassification within the Ministry’s establishment classification system, mandatory corrective measures, and referral of cases to the competent court.

MoHRE further urged Emirati job seekers to verify the legitimacy of job offers and refrain from participating in fraudulent activities or fake Emiratisation practices, emphasising that compliance is crucial for retaining access to Nafis benefits.

The Ministry encouraged the public to report any violations of Emiratisation policies by contacting its call center at 600590000 or through its official application and website.