More than 12,000 businesses with 20-49 workers are now part of the Emiratization goal guidelines, thanks to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (Mohre).
These businesses, which span fourteen distinct economic areas, are now required to recruit one UAE national in 2024 and another in 2025.
Sectors Affected:
- Information and communications
- Finance and insurance
- Real estate
- Professional and technical activities
- Administrative and support services
- Education
- Healthcare and social work
- Arts and entertainment
- Mining and quarrying
- Transformative industries
- Construction
- Wholesale and retail
- Transportation and warehousing
- Accommodations and hospitality
Notification and Compliance:
Mohre notified the targeted firms through its digital system, providing them with ample time to meet the stipulated targets. The ministry urges companies to promptly fulfill their Emiratization targets, cautioning against delaying compliance until the year-end.
Penalties:
Companies failing to appoint a UAE citizen in 2024 face fines of Dh96,000 for each instance, payable from January 2025. Similarly, fines of Dh108,000 will be imposed for non-compliance with 2025 targets, with collection scheduled for January 2026. Affected companies can opt for installment plans, subject to agreement with Mohre.
Nafis Platform Registration:
The Ministry emphasizes the importance of targeted companies registering on the Nafis platform. This registration ensures access to program support for sourcing qualified Emirati professionals, along with other advantages available through the platform.
Educational Initiatives:
Mohre commits to conducting training workshops to educate affected companies on meeting their targets and utilizing support from the Nafis platform. These initiatives aim to enhance awareness and facilitate compliance with empowerment goals.
Ongoing Emiratisation Implementation:
The decision for companies with 20–49 employees complements existing monetization targets for larger companies (50 or more employees). Larger companies are mandated to achieve 2% annual growth in employment for skilled jobs. The broader implementation reflects the UAE's commitment to fostering a workforce inclusive of its citizens and promoting economic growth.
