Dec 31 is the final deadline for companies to meet Emiratisation target

The UAE government has urged eligible companies to expedite efforts to hire at least one Emirati citizen this year, as Dec. 31 marks the final deadline to comply with the Emiratisation policy.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has advised companies with 20 to 49 employees not to wait until the end of 2024, when the grace period concludes. This follows the Cabinet’s decision to expand Emiratisation requirements, mandating these companies to hire at least one UAE citizen in 2025 as well.

Companies that fail to meet their 2024 targets will incur a fine of AED 96,000 starting in January 2025. Non-compliance in 2025 will result in a fine of AED 108,000 beginning in January 2026.

Additionally, companies must retain Emirati employees hired before Jan. 1, 2024, ensure all employed UAE citizens are registered in the country’s pension and social security systems, and process their monthly salaries through the Wage Protection System (WPS).

MoHRE also strongly advises against "fake Emiratisation," warning that fraudulent practices could lead to severe penalties.

For companies yet to meet their Emiratisation targets, MoHRE recommends using the Nafis platform to find qualified Emirati professionals. The Ministry also offers workshops to help companies understand Emiratisation policies and their benefits.

This initiative aligns with broader goals for companies with more than 50 employees, which are required to achieve a 2% annual growth in skilled Emirati jobs, aiming for a total increase of 10% by 2026.

Emiratisation affects over 12,000 companies across 14 key economic sectors, including information and communication, finance and insurance, real estate, and education, among others.