The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has granted private companies an extension for meeting the Emiratisation quote, due to the Eid Al Adha holiday. The new deadline for compliance is set for 7 July 2023.

Private companies with 50 or more employees must comply with this requirement and achieve the 1 percent semi-annual Emiratisation quota for skilled positions. Failure to meet this requirement will result in a fine of AED 42,000 for each role not occupied by an Emirati citizen. The UAE government is determined to increase the involvement of UAE nationals in the private sector, aiming for a 10 percent Emiratisation rate in private companies by 2026.

The UAE’s vision, as part of the “Projects of the 50”, is to create a thriving job market that promotes competitiveness among UAE nationals and fosters their skill development as well as their practical experiences. To achieve this, the UAE Government launched Nafis in September 2021. Nafis, a governmental federal program, is a platform designed to facilitate cooperation between UAE nationals and private sector companies. Nafis assists the UAE’s vision by offering Emiratis the chance to apply for roles in private sector companies and contribute to the economic growth of the UAE.

For more information on UAE Employment Law, please contact Ahmed Ziad Galadari. Ahmed is a qualified advocate with full rights of audience before all UAE Courts, and is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb).

Ahmed Ziad Galadari Advocate ahmed.ziad@galadarilaw.com