Reminder: UAE urges private sector to meet emiratisation targets by June 30 to avoid penalties

Dubai: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has called on private sector companies with 50 or more employees to fulfill their Emiratisation targets for the first half of 2025 by June 30.

Employers must ensure a minimum 1% increase in the number of UAE nationals in skilled roles, relative to their total skilled workforce.

From July 1, MoHRE will begin auditing companies to verify compliance. This includes not only meeting the Emiratisation growth target but also adhering to related requirements such as registering Emirati employees with an approved social security fund and consistently paying all due contributions. Non-compliant companies will face financial penalties.

MoHRE and Nafis

Farida Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary of National Talents at MoHRE, highlighted the positive momentum in the labour market and its alignment with the UAE’s economic growth. “The synergy between MoHRE and the Nafis programme has significantly supported Emiratisation efforts, and we commend the private sector’s active participation,” she said.

As of the end of April 2025, over 136,000 Emiratis are employed in the private sector across 28,000 companies, a record milestone.

Farida expressed confidence in the sector’s continued progress, noting that the Nafis platform remains a vital resource for sourcing qualified Emirati talent.

Incentives

To encourage further progress, the Ministry continues to offer incentives to high-performing companies. These include membership in the Emiratisation Partners Club, which grants benefits such as up to 80% discounts on MoHRE service fees and priority access to government procurement opportunities.

Fines

A penalty of Dh42,000 was applied for every Emirati not hired within targeted companies, at a rate of Dh7,000 per month in 2023, in line with the Cabinet Decision.