Have your say: Emiratisation move

The Ministry of Labour has decided on the emiratisation of human resources managers and secretaries post.

Labour officials say the move is meant to create thousands of jobs for UAE nationals.

However, the decision to replace foreign human resources managers and secretaries with UAE nationals has drawn mixed reactions.

Expatriates say that the move will leave them jobless, while others say it will help train UAE nationals to become competitive in various fields of work.

This is a warning for expats to look for other opportunities back home. There is no point working in another country if you don?t have a good life and enough savings.
Faiq
By email

I am an expatriate and I welcome the move taken by the government. It?s true that expats has developed the UAE. But they got their proceeds for it and when they left their country to come UAE for future prospects they knew that one day they have to go back.
ABN
By email

They should manage a ?win-win' situation where expats in HR and secretarial positions should also be given consideration since they also contribute for the welfare of the government.
Name-malou
By email

Fortunately, it is extremely easy to travel to other countries from the UAE, so I believe expats should thank the UAE for giving them enough time and look for career opportunities in the rest of the world.
Dr.Ali
Staffordshire, UK

We expatriates should bear in mind and accept the fact that we are only guests here and have to one day bid goodbye to the country we have opted to work and live. I would also appreciate if the steps are taken to homogenize the pay packages based on the qualifications and experience and not nationalities of the expatriates.
Musharraf
By email

The government has to challenge mentalities and change many wrong perceptions of the aspiring UAE nationals as well as that of the private sector. They should do this by engaging both and not imposing heavy-handed decisions.
Marc
By email

To all expats who?s occupying the HR manager and secretarial post, you don?t have to worry for I believe if your company acknowledges your worth, that you?ve have been an asset to them they will not allow you to leave, certainly they can create a position that will suits your capability.
Maria
By email

The UAE will have a strong workforce if it carries on in this way, with long working hours, short holidays, and years of experience before reaching the upper levels of management.  The country?s leaders, with their strong push for emiratisation, have begun this process.
Elizabeth
By email

Our future is in our own motherland with lot of opportunities for her children. 
Zafar
By email

A successful and long lasting Nationalization for any country is achieved through: Securing the opportunity not the post, securing the learning not the leadership, exploring the challenges not the benefits. Encourage your Nationals, show them the target, and put them into real challenges. They will definitely reach the target with ambition for a better career.
Gamal
By email

It's time for a change and a chance for us to work in our own land and build our country. Whatever the decision may be, I would like to thank the expatriates for the help they have given us over the years. And to our Government, thanks for this great move and decision for the future of all U.A.E nationals.
Ruquaiya
By email

I have no objection for this law but think that qualifications should still be the priority rather than nationality. If there are qualified nationals why not? 
Name withheld
By email

My advice to expatriates affected by this move is to travel to other countries for better opportunities. There are a number of countries in need of manpower, for instance in Europe they can easily find good career opportunities there.
Dr.Khalil
UK

Emiratisation at any cost might not pay off at the end. Qualification and experience should be looked at as well, not only nationality.
MS
Sharjah

I really feel very sorry for the thousands of families, expats are supporting back home, I really feel sorry for all the hard work and long working hours they've put, which is going to be wasted in a matter of few months. My heart goes for all expats who don't know where to go now. Home? Can they really say it anymore? I feel this word only in the great UAE.
Ahmed
By email

Expatriates are here to make money. Not many come here because they feel a belonging or a sense of duty towards advancing this country. We appreciate your presence. You have enriched our society in many ways (and still do). You will always be welcome amongst us. We would appreciate your support with emiratisation, instead of criticism and discouragement.
Mira
By email

Emiratisation needs to be implemented on a broader horizon without causing loss to other people. At the end of the day it is the nationals who have to take care of their country.
Faisal
By email

This is a good chance for UAE nationals. UAE is their country and they should be the ones to serve it to their best abilities. Provided they have the drive and are really willing to work in all fields, and not choosy with regards to the time, pressure at work.
Suzan
By email

UAE has the right to employ their own people as HR managers and secretaries, but what about the expatriates who have spent their life here. Is it fair to kick them out of this country and destroy their future?
Sameera
By email

It should be up to the company's owner as to what nationality they want to hire and work with.
Sisira
By email

I think UAE nationals should be given preference over expats because it is ultimately the right of UAE nationals to have the opportunity to work in their own land. However, there should be relevant compensation or alternative arrangements for those who will be replaced. The situation is similar to merger and acquisition done by many multinational companies when they are taken over by the management of the new company. They do retain employees who have contributed to the company and those who have not are retrenched but compensation is paid. This should not affect the workforce because only competent and relevant people will take over such positions.
Shobha
By e-mail

The move will undoubtedly help in the development of the local workforce but the process of selection should be done based on the qualifications and capabilities of an individual. No doubt the UAE has done a lot for its expat community, but disallowing certain categories of jobs just because you are not a citizen is outright discrimination. Please don't mistake me for complaining. All I'm saying is - on what basis is this so called ban imposed? I totally agree with Arlette's comments about labour jobs... any takers???
Lisa
By e-mail

I read with mixed feelings the readers' response to the emiratisation programme. Here is my advise: Don't overstay and go home to develop your own country. We should realise that we are here to work for the money, but that sooner or later we will be asked to leave.
Abrahim
By e-mail

So finally, the UAE government is doing what it has been expected to do for long time. Probably all non-nationals out there should be ready to pack their bags as the next number could be of any one: accountants, productions managers, IT operators etc.
Salman
By e-mail

This type of plan will never resolve the employment problem nor will the younger generation want to do anything creative with their lives. The current generation of nationals should be given opportunities but not things served on a plate, such that they don?t improve or aspire or dream.
Vipin
By e-mail

I am a UAE citizen and I salute the government for this decision. For all expatriates: You should be grateful this country took you on its peaceful grounds for so long and gave you jobs and packages you wouldn't get in your own country. We are not responsible for your future, your country is.
RM
By e-mail

I think it's a great step towards emiratisation. It will allow UAE nationals to contribute more in the development of their country. I'm not forgetting the foreigners hands who play a big role in developing our country but I think it's time for change.
Noura
By email

The most qualified person should be the one who receives the job opportunity. All the effort exerted into selling "Dubai as a World friendly place", has just been reduced to, "Go home, we don't want you here".
Steven
By email 

Alternative solutions should be created. I understand and I salute the intention of the UAE government in helping their people, but it should be done in a more diplomatic way.
Zde
By email

When I heard about this law, I was like "Finally!" I hope those who will be placed in those positions do the job properly as qualified professionals who want to benefit their country and all who live in it.
AA
By email

I think the expatriates should keep their options open to travel to other countries, in case they have to leave the UAE, but at the same time UAE Nationals must realise that rights come with duties. It's their right to be employed and it is their duty to prove that they are the ones who deserve to be employed.
Dr. Khalil
UK

What a great decision. I am a post graduate with 10 years experience, currently working in the construction industry. All nationals are most welcome to take my job. Salary Dhs.3500. Working Hours: 12 hrs/day and 6 days/week.
Vinu
By email

Why is everyone suddenly whining against this law? We nationals have the right to work in our country. With all respect to the expats, you've been our guests for many years and we shared our food with you for tens of years, but now we're starving. It?s time to give some room for us so that we can run our country and make a living. I'm sure there are many other opportunities elsewhere.
Mohsin
By email

This is the only way to force the private sector to employ UAE nationals and give them the possibility to enter the work market.
Badia
By email

As an HR professional, I would have had a more positive reaction to the announcement if the government had instead proclaimed their affiliation with colleges and universities in the Gulf to offer Human Resource Management courses and programs to properly train prospective managers in HR.
Name withheld by request
By email

I would humbly remind expats like myself that the UAE has been and remains only a kind host country for expatriates. If the host does not want you, then accept the fact and go back with confidence. Your mother nation needs you and undoubtedly she will look after you. That is the only place where you can build your permanent home.
Jayaraj
Abu Dhabi

I'm not xenophobic when I say that expats should not be the government's priority in granting jobs to people. There should be a systematic change for able nationals to achieve good positions within their country. It would be utterly foolish to think that UAE nationals will always work under expats.
Mohammad
By email

I appreciate the move because every country should be developed by their own citizens. But it?s not always practical. The UAE has developed so much through the hard work of expatriates. It should not be forgotten. It doesn?t mean that the expatriate should stay life long in this country.
Shaji 
By email

Emiratisation is definitely a positive move for the nationals, on the other hand  there is a big contribution in the growth of the nation because of expats. Positions should be filled not on the bases of nationality but by capability and qualifications.
Mahjabeen
By email

It took me eight years to become a qualified and experienced HR manager and from the article I read, it states that this could be achieved in 18 months for UAE nationals! Let?s get UAE Nationals into jobs, let?s develop them, let?s grow this Country and its people but let?s do it in the right way for everyone.
MFL
Dubai

The government should create laws to protect, drive and sustain the stability of its own people. There are many benefits that expat employees get that UAE nationals don't. No airline tickets for us. Please don?t tell that's not discrimination. We too work hard, long hours in this land that our parents have helped to create.
SA
By email

Well this is a great opportunity for all nationals to contribute their knowledge and abilities to their own country, but why only as HR managers or secretaries? The best thing we could do is to 'give and take' so that everyone can work for aliving. Hiring manpower in general requires knowledgeable capacity to do the job and move the organization on for individual growth.
Joy
Abu Dhabi

I think it's unfair for the people who have been working for the development of the UAE for many years. They spend their life here. There should be opportunities for nationals to get a job but not if it means replacing people.
Abijeet
Dubai

I'm in favor of Emiratisation. It will be beneficial for the government but have an adverse effect on the private sector. Salaries, days of work per week and training are likely to be affected. The government should give a gesture of goodwill to all affected expatriates and allow them to renew their visa for other available jobs that may suit them best.
Claude
By email

This rule should have announced to the public further in advance to minimize the negative consequences. Not like the present condition where the rule introduced on Saturday and announced on Gulf News on Sunday. I would request all the public to realize how many families will be affected by this rule!
Khan
By email

We appreciate the expatriate?s role in the development of our country, but the government has to look after their locals by securing their future and providing more job opportunities. Currently there are a lot of educated nationals in the UAE and if their government can't provide jobs for them in their own country, where else can they find them? I think if the expatriates found such a government in their country, they will be grateful!
Ahmed
By email

The UAE is right to pave the way for their nationals but this should be done in phases. Firstly, all government, banks and public sectors should be fully nationalised and thereafter, if the situation requires, the government should encourage private sectors to employ as many locals as possible without using force. Private sectors do business with their own hard earned investment, without any government grant, subsidies or any kind of support.
Jessie D Souza
By email

The policy is fair. How else would Emiratization come about if the people responsible for hiring these workers are expats?
Rashed
By email

I am proud to hear that our decision makers have taken this decision to replace expatriates with UAE citizens, but we have to evaluate them properly and ensure the applicant is capable of handling the job responsibly. We have to provide more training.
Abdullah
By email

A job is being offered to an individual if the employer trusts that she is qualified and she?s capable to do all the responsibilities assigned to her regardless of her nationality and culture.  I am not against the concept of prioritizing UAE Nationals when it comes to hiring but replacing the people already working for a company by an Emirati is unjust.
JIE
By email

I don?t know why expats whine about losing their jobs. You should have known long time ago that you are living here temporary and that the government has to insure jobs for its citizens. If you think that this move is unfair, do you think that it is fair to leave 33,000 UAE nationals jobless?
Esem
By email

Where is Emiratisation leading? The rulers had a vision - to build and develop UAE- and as "Expatriates" we respect all the UAE rulers for what they have and done. We thank them for the jobs they gave us and better life associated with the jobs. But what is happening now? Are the Emiratis ready to work as secretaries for a Salary of Dh2500 with a college degree and secretarial diplomas?
Vidya
By email

It is absolutely unfair to kick off the future and career of expatriates with one decision. It only shows expatriates the window to leave this country and to find some other corner because the future is no longer secure.
Bravo
By e-mail

Dubai has gone far because of expatriates, but now it is closing its door on these people. These expats have stayed in their jobs for so long, and then they will suddenly lose it after eighteen months? Then this won't be called a "free country for all".
Ann
By e-mail

If there are 21,536 secretarial jobs including 671 managers out there, I am sure there are MUCH MORE labour level jobs too that can be 'emiratised'. Anyone interested!?!
Arlette
By e-mail

Employment should be given on the basis of qualification and capabilities irrespective of race and culture.
Anjali
By e-mail

It is a very good move from the UAE government to make sure that nationals contribute to the country's growth. But is it really necessary and fair to fire the expatriates who are already working? There has to be another solution. This way just seems like one hard kick in the stomach!
Rizwana
By e-mail

The new emiratisation decision will help UAE nationals to be more competitive in the corporate world, however, it is not good for expatriates because a lot of them will loose their job.
Lei
By e-mail

I am an expatriate working as a secretary in Sharjah and to be honest, I have a lot of liabilities here and back home. If we will be forced to leave our company then what will happen to our family? The ministry must have considered a win-win situation before implementing such a law like this. I am not against this as I am thankful that they have opened UAE doors for expatriates like me, but they must also think about us who have worked and are working very hard for their country (6 days a week, 8am to 5pm).
Yen
Dubai

Regarding the story "Only nationals eligible as HR managers" (Gulf News, June 25, 2006) - I consider the new emiratisation law to be a sword with two sharp edges.  On the one edge is the immediate "success" of emiratisation and on the other, the bitterness of expatriates holding those jobs. I say success because emiratisation is not about shoving Emiratis into jobs just for the sake of a quota; it?s about finding qualified UAE nationals to suit the job role and description. Making a sweeping statement such as this might actually jeopardise the quality of Emiratisation. There will never be a complete nationalisation scheme in any country, and the UAE is no exception to that rule. Globalisation is inevitable and people will migrate to reach better prospects. I believe there is a more subtle way to deal with this than "force" all companies to hire UAE national HR managers/secretaries.
Sarah
By e-mail

Bringing UAE nationals job opportunities is a good idea, but these jobs should be alloted according to the experience and capabilities of the candidate, whether he/she is a national or expat.
Adnan
By e-mail

This is an interesting issue having recently relocated from Hong Kong where we went through a similar process, not job specific but country wide, under the banner of "localisation". This type of policy will always be a contentious issue irrespective of the country or industry as people will always be displaced and as the saying goes: "You can never please all of the people all of the time." I do hope that the Emiratisation plan has been well thought out, with such a small Emirate population there is at least the opportunity and ability to survey the population and identify the professional skill sets available and plan the programme accordingly for the appropriate job functions. 
As an example, I am an International HR Specialist, with 13 years experience based over three regions which is very difficult to find in the UAE let alone the region so it is unlikely that an Emirate will be able to undertake my position. So how will such issues be handled? Do the new regulations apply quite literally to those with titles of HR Manager and Secretary only as opposed to PA?s and Human Capital professionals?
An interesting 18 months is ahead of us all.
From A Reader
By e-mail

I wish our country has the same initiative as Dubai government who pursued to keep their nationals in their country (to educate them, to gain work experience, bringing them to professionalism and to be competitive like the rest). However, such inspiring move by the Labour department is very alarming as such transition will not only affect the expats (who have served for so long as a bridge to their economic development) but to the government itself (replacing an Executive Secretary who has worked for more than 5 years with a non-experienced local would definitely affect the company).  It is not just a question of capability but the move itself; as businesses we are forced to terminate a long time employee (who served not only as a secretary but a comrade, a friend, a family).  I do believe that the administration should not be bias in such decision (and forget the contributions of the expatriates who were there all along when nationals are still unable to manage). I think they should consider first the pros and cons of such scheme and think of how will it will be beneficial for the locals (to get experience and be competitive), for expats (to share their professionalism) and to the business firms who have contributed so much to Dubai?s economic growth.  
From A Reader
By e-mail

I am an HR consultant and am not in favour of this new move by the government in relation to emiratisation. With all respect, the focus of a government should be to provide appropriate training, education and skills to the local workforce, and not intervention with how the private sector chooses to do business. Through such an interventionist policy, the government is adding to its problems rather than addressing them. It is creating, or forcing, an artificial demand for a certain section of the workforce. The lack of a naturally competitive environment, that would drive people to excel in their fields, could only result in the organisations having to carry this regulation as a burden rather than embracing a local workforce as a natural choice. Whilst there are many highly qualified locals who can take HR Managerial roles, it is still extremely limiting on organisations to be able to only choose from a certain section of the workforce.
Murtaza
By e-mail

Yahoo! I am very glad to know that the UAE government has taken a good decision about the future of the UAE. I really appreciate the government?s decision. Many UAE nationals have higher qualifications than those required for secretarial and HR managerial posts.
Mohammad
By e-mail

Regarding the new emiratisation policy (to each its own) - It is only but natural for the government to take care of their own people  first. But what about the expats who have bank loans - how will that be paid? If expats are going to be laid off will the government help such individuals or will it be dealt with case by case? It sure is a concern and an expensive price to pay for hard work.
Bindhu
By e-mail

As UAE nationals, we would like to thank the Ministry for this move and their trust in nationals. It's about time that this rule has been announced as most countries are already following this concept. So to those who say it isn't fair, I definitely think it is! By applying this rule, they are actually giving UAE nationals the opportunity to challenge themselves and prove to the Ministry and the UAE's ever expanding marketplace their capability of handling such positions and high responsibilities. Most private companies employ more than 85 per cent expats, hence it is fair to assign these positions to UAE nationals who do not lack the same level of talent and qualifications. Expats are more than welcome in our country either to work, live or visit. This way we can learn from each other, share ideas and gain experience.
A.B. & H.A.
By e-mail

The sudden decision to emiratise certain work categories and stop visa renewals for expatriates already working under those categories is not diplomatic. Whoever is staying in UAE has financial liabilities. For them to lose the job and their visa the next day is not the right method of administration. Nobody will be willing to invest in this country if there are no stable rules and regulations regarding work and investments. There are so many ways to promote emiratisation without harming expatriates. We are really restless that we do not know what will happen the next day with new rules. I ask the government to think about an amicable solution for emiratisation.
Raj
By e-mail

Please do not complain my expatriate brothers and sisters and don't be selfish. I am also an expatriate working as Executive Secretary reporting to the Vice Chairman. I welcome any UAE citizen taking my job as this country and my job belongs to them. It is their fundamental right to earn and live in their own country. The UAE government and the UAE citizens have been kind enough to allow us to work and live peacefully all these years. I am and will remain indebted to them for rest of my life. For all those expatriates who complain - please go back to your own country and fight with your government to create more jobs. It is unfair to expect the UAE government to ignore their nationals all the time. I fully support the move of the UAE Minister of Labour in this regard. If you have confidence in yourself and your abilities - you can create a similar environment in your own country. Good luck, expatriates!
PK
By e-mail

This decision may sound good to nationals, but what about the expats? Step back and look at the situation neutrally. Does that sound fair? Or reasonable for that matter? The whole thing seems to be hanging off balance to me.
AJ
By e-mail

The government can be rational in implementing this rule with public sector companies, but private sector companies should have the right to choose the most qualified professional to fill those posts as the success of any establishment depends on the right choice of personnel.
Osheema
By e-mail

It's an excellent move to emiratise the HR domain in UAE.  This will provide excellent career opportunity for UAE nationals. The UAE government should also consider setting up HR Business Schools to churn out quality HR professionals. The need of the hour is to set up Institutes to have short term courses of secretarial training. If the expatriate HR manager is competent, then he or she can easily find a job in his own country. Overall, a great move by the government.
Joe
By e-mail

Hiring a competent, hard working, efficient and flexible staff must be done through open competition.
Reg
By e-mail

Every country wishes their citizens could be given priorities in jobs and opportunities. One day the dependence on expatriates has to come to an end. The best way of achieving this goal is to make long term plans and this is what UAE government has done. The government must plan for compensating other areas that may also be affected indirectly, such as the airline industry, construction, and schools. Meticulous planning is required to amicably achieve this otherwise there will be collapse of everything directly hitting the economy and further progress of UAE.
Sivasubramaniam
By e-mail

Thanks for the move from our government. Open some space in this unjustified industry and am sure most nationals like me would shift their minds a bit and follow our leaders. Then we are ready to be HR Managers.
Sa
By e-mail

After investing in property here, this is giving us headaches. There are so many ways to promote Emiratisation without harming expatriates. This will effect the progress and goodwill of the country. Give time to expatriates to finish their liabilities and vacate from this land with thanks.
Raj
By e-mail

The UAE is banking upon the expatriates to support their development plan especially the real estate. Emiratisation of the secretarial and human resource sector is unfair to the existing employees. It would be better to monitor the inflow of expatriates henceforth than to take away jobs in this manner.
AP
By e-mail

Humanitarian consideration should be given to everyone. Emiratisation should be done in a gradual slow schedule.
Jomon
By e-mail

I am very glad to know that the UAE government has taken a good decision about the future of UAE nationals. But the government also has to think about the expatriates or replace them with any other jobs.
SKN
By e-mail

I really appreciate the government's decision. Many UAE nationals have higher qualifications than those required for secretarial and HR manager jobs.
Rajesh
By e-mail

It gives rise to an ambivalent kind of feeling. Yes, it is good news for nationals and bad news for expatriates, but we expatriates should have known this change was coming a long time ago.
Mohd
Dubai

Even though I feel bitter for expatriates, every national deserves priority in respect of employment. UAE nationals need to have jobs in order to become equal in terms of competence.
Mohammad
By e-mail

Companies will find a way to get round this. Other jobs will be created for expat secretaries with the same job descriptions ?Assistants, administrators, juniors? they might as well hire local secretaries, but it will only be to lure the ministry, they will be paid minimum salaries and assigned small tasks.
Aatif
By e-mail

This is their country. Their prosperity should be given more value than any others.
Kabeer
Dubai

As an expatriate, I really feel this is unfair to everyone. I am currently working as a secretary and have been in this career for almost 14 years. I do agree that nationals should have a place in any company, but it should not be limited to them only.
Flor
By e-mail 

If someone can't find a job in his own country which invite expats from all over the world, tell me where on earth can he or she find a job? Mars!!! To all who look down to locals let me tell you this: we have many locals with far better education than many expats - and for God sake do you need a PhD to be a secretary? I have taught in collages and universities around the UAE for many years and I have seen many smart and ambitious Emirati males and females. Please stop this nonsense and have some good feelings to those who invite you to their country.
Abdul
By e-mail

There is still no guarantee that things will change under this law. It would be good to employ UAE nationals not only in government offices, but in the private sector as well.
Erika
Dubai

On the one hand, they have every right to be employed in their own country and participate in their own workforce. On the other hand, the strict Emiratisation drive, such as this against HR managers and secretaries will eventually drive out many expatriates who are contributing to the real estate market, international trade, setting up of international companies here, etc. The real estate market is just beginning to boom here, but that could change if the job market dramatically changes.
Janet H
Canada

We cannot protest as it is every government?s duty to prioritise their citizen?s security. I don?t think this move will have any sudden impact on expatriates.  I am sure the government knows the value of the expatriate?s contribution to the nations prosperity. The only thing to do, is accept the law and work hard until we are forced to go away.
Raveendran
Dubai

It will have a very beneficial effect on the UAE workforce and economy, because nationals will do fair dealings with workers and foreign HR are cheating the labour force by giving them small salaries and poor benefits.
Faisal
By e-mail

While I am not against the idea of the national workforce getting jobs and experience I am against the idea of a blanket ban on secretaries of other nationalities. Why not implement this in a phased manner, as opposed to an incisive decree.
Hermito
Sharjah

I personally see the move as a positive step.
Louis
Dubai

It is indeed a good move for the UAE so that their nationals can have the chance to take the opportunity to work as HR Managers and Secretaries. But I don't think that it?s fair for expatriates to lose their jobs, especially those who have been working in their current posts for many years. I have nothing against Emiratisation but at least they must ensure that expats will not be left jobless.
Jane
Abu Dhabi

This drive is good, but expatriates will be jobless. What they will do? The government should also think of others.
Ali
By e-mail

What about thousands of wives, mothers, family supporters and widows who live in this country and work as secretaries? What are they going to do? It?s not fair at all, they are destroying our lives. This is a clear statement from the ministry to expatriates that reads: "go home we don't need you anymore".
From A Reader
By e-mail

It's a fantastic move by the ministry for the UAE Nationals, they deserve it.
Mohammad
By e-mail

As an Emirati citizen myself, I salute the UAE's interest in remaining loyal to its citizens, however I believe the new regulation is too extreme. In a truly successful capitalist society, the most qualified employee should be recruited. Replacing all foreigners with UAE citizens, regardless of who is more qualified will not lead us to a truly successful and flourishing economy. In the end, the driving force of a successful economy is competition- competition among prospective employees and among firms.
Tala
Stanford, California

This move will drive lot of people out of Dubai. On the one hand they are asking people to buy the property in Dubai and on the other hand they are cutting jobs.
Dorine
By e-mail