MoHRE urges companies to Emiratisation targets before June 30

Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that the number of UAE nationals employed in the private sector has exceeded 138,000, spread across approximately 28,000 companies as of the end of April 2025.

In the latest issue of its Labour Market Magazine, the Ministry urged all private sector companies with 50 or more employees to meet the Emiratisation targets set for the first half of the year. The target mandates a minimum 1% increase in the number of Emiratis employed in skilled jobs within each eligible company by 30 June 2025.

The Ministry will begin verifying compliance starting 1 July 2025, including confirming that newly hired Emirati employees are officially registered with a recognized social security fund and that required contributions are being made. Non-compliant companies risk facing financial penalties.

Farida Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary for National Human Resources Development at MoHRE, stated that the strong performance of the labour market and the country’s accelerating economic growth have enabled private sector firms to better meet their Emiratisation obligations.

“This progress is the result of close cooperation between the Ministry and the private sector, supported by the Nafis programme, which plays a pivotal role in implementing Emiratisation policies and objectives,” she said.

Al Ali praised the private sector’s growing engagement with the initiative, noting a historic increase in the number of Emiratis employed — crossing 138,000 by the end of April.

The Ministry also confirmed that inspection and compliance teams will begin their field work on 1 July. These teams will assess whether companies have met the required Emiratisation targets and verify that Emirati employees are duly registered with social security schemes and receiving their entitled contributions. Companies found in violation will face financial consequences.

MoHRE highlighted, through its official channels, that the ongoing economic expansion and healthy labour market are providing companies with an optimal environment to achieve their Emiratisation goals. These efforts are further supported through collaborative frameworks with the Nafis programme.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting private companies in achieving their targets. It encouraged them to utilize the Nafis programme’s digital platform, which offers access to a wide pool of qualified Emirati candidates for skilled positions.

MoHRE also emphasised that companies demonstrating exceptional compliance with Emiratisation targets will be eligible for a range of incentives. These include membership in the Emiratisation Partners Club, which offers benefits such as up to 80% discounts on Ministry service fees and priority access to government procurement opportunities — supporting long-term business growth.

To maintain the integrity of the initiative, MoHRE has deployed an advanced digital monitoring system capable of detecting fraudulent practices, such as false Emiratisation or manipulation of targets. From mid-2022 through April 2025, more than 2,200 establishments were identified as violating Emiratisation regulations.

The Ministry also urged Emirati job seekers to verify the authenticity of job offers to avoid being exploited in fraudulent schemes. Ensuring genuine employment is critical to maintaining eligibility for the full benefits provided under the Nafis programme, which is designed to support meaningful Emirati participation in the workforce.

MoHRE reiterated its call to private sector companies with 50 or more employees to meet the required 1% increase in the number of Emiratis in skilled positions by 30 June. This measure is part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to enhance the integration of national talent into the private sector and drive sustainable economic growth.