In a significant move, the Abu Dhabi Misdemeanour Court has fined a private company Dirham 10 million for failing to comply with Emiratisation regulations and bypassing set targets by appointing 113 Emiratis in fictitious roles.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) discovered serious violations, leading to the case being referred to the Abu Dhabi Public Prosecution. Investigations revealed the company issued work permits and registered employees in non-existent roles to falsely meet Emiratisation targets, misusing the Nafis programme's benefits.

The Abu Dhabi Public Prosecution ordered the company to face the competent court, resulting in a conviction for non-compliance with Emiratisation policies and fictitious employment practices.

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The UAE, through the Nafis programme, is dedicated to ensuring genuine employment opportunities for Emiratis in the private sector. Private companies are required to increase their Emirati workforce by 2% annually, aiming for at least 10% by 2026. From July 1, companies not meeting these targets face fines of Dh48,000 for each unfulfilled position.

MoHRE has been driving Emiratisation goals in the private sector for two years now and has detected over 1,300 violations in the last few months. Despite these challenges, the number of Emirati employees in the private sector has surged by 157 per cent since 2021, reflecting the government's commitment to increasing Emirati participation in private sector jobs.

Lately, many organisations have entered into collaboration with the Emirati Human Resources Development Council to boost Emiratisation in the private sector and meet the targets set by MoHRE. Others have set up advisory committees with Emiratis on the panel to spearhead their Emiratisation goals.