The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) – UAE has extended the deadline for Emiratisation targets until December 31, 2024.

Following a Cabinet decision aimed at expanding Emiratisation targets, MoHRE has urged private sector employers, especially those with 20 to 49 employees, to hire at least one Emirati worker before the new year.

According to the Emiratisation targets, companies in the UAE’s private sector with 50 or more workers are required to achieve a 2 per cent annual growth in hiring Emirati employees in skilled jobs, aiming for a 10 per cent increase by the end of 2026. MoHRE has highlighted 14 key service sectors, covering over 12,000 employers across the UAE, that must adhere to the Emiratisation guidelines. These sectors include finance and insurance, information and communications, professional and technical services, education, construction, real estate, administrative support, arts and entertainment, healthcare and social work, transportation and warehousing, hospitality, wholesale and retail, mining and quarrying, and transformative industries. These sectors are experiencing rapid growth and offer excellent employment opportunities for Emiratis.

MoHRE shared on X (formerly Twitter), "Our partners in private sector establishments with 20 to 49 employees are required to meet the Emiratisation targets. The deadline to hire at least one Emirati is December 31. Financial contributions of AED 96,000 will be imposed starting January 2025 on establishments that do not meet their 2024 targets. Financial contributions amounting to AED 108,000 will be imposed in January 2026 for failure to meet the 2025 targets. We acknowledge the efforts of establishments that have achieved their targets and urge them to register Emirati employees in one of the authorised pension funds and the Wage Protection System (WPS). We also encourage establishments yet to meet Emiratisation targets to benefit from the Nafis programme platform, which connects them with Emiratis who can significantly contribute to their business growth."

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The Ministry also emphasised that private sector employers need to ensure all Emiratis hired before January 1, 2024, are registered in the country’s pension and social security systems, with their monthly salaries processed through the Wage Protection System (WPS). Employers are also encouraged to utilise the Nafis programme, which provides access to a pool of qualified Emirati professionals ready to fill positions across various sectors. “By registering on the Nafis platform to advertise their job vacancies, companies can not only meet their Emiratisation targets but also enhance their competitiveness and expand their business, as their bids will be prioritised on the government procurement platform,” MoHRE said in an official statement.

Furthermore, MoHRE warned private sector employers against ‘fake Emiratisation’ to meet the targets, as this could result in hefty fines and additional penalties.