UAE detects 377 fake Emiratisation cases at 266 private firms in H1 2026

The UAE has flagged 377 cases of fake Emiratisation involving 266 private-sector companies in the first half of 2026, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) said on Tuesday.

The cases were uncovered through the ministry’s field and digital monitoring systems, with legal action taken against the companies and other parties involved. MoHRE stressed that the violations were limited and did not constitute a widespread practice in the UAE labour market.

The ministry said action against offending companies was taken in accordance with Cabinet Decision No. 43 of 2025 concerning administrative violations and penalties related to initiatives and programmes of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council.

MoHRE said Emiratisation went beyond simply registering a UAE citizen as an employee of a private-sector company. It required a genuine and productive employment relationship involving actual duties and responsibilities, as well as opportunities for career development.

Fake Emiratisation, in contrast, involves registering Emiratis as employees to meet national employment targets without providing genuine jobs or actual work.

The ministry warned that such practices could distort labour market and Emiratisation indicators, misuse resources and incentives intended to support genuine employment, deprive Emiratis of real job opportunities and professional development, and disadvantage companies that invest in recruiting, training and developing Emirati talent.

It said Emiratisation policies were designed to build sustainable Emirati human capital in the private sector and enable citizens to contribute effectively to the national economy, particularly in priority sectors.

MoHRE stressed that protecting the integrity of Emiratisation was a shared responsibility, urging companies to comply with the objectives of the policy and Emiratis not to participate in arrangements under which they are registered as employees without performing actual work.

The public was also urged to report suspected violations through the ministry’s call centre on 600590000, its smart application or website.