Emiratisation in UAE: 3 days left to avoid Dh42,000 fine for every citizen not hired

The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) on Tuesday issued an advisory — reminding private companies of the deadline for meeting their targets for the first half of the year.

"Private sector companies with a workforce of 50 or more employees, should ensure prompt fulfillment of the 1% semi-annual Emiratisation targets for skilled positions to avoid fines of AED 42,000 per unemployed citizen," (MoHRE) tweeted on Tuesday.

Firms have 3 days left to achieve the 1 per cent semi-annual Emiratisation target, Mohre said.

Those who fail to hits this mark by July 7 shall face fines worth Dh42,000 for every Emirati who has not been hired.

Under the country's Emiratisation programme, companies are required to add 2 per cent UAE citizens to their workforce every year until 2026. Earlier this year, a new mechanism was announced, where the annual target is split into two: Add 1 per cent in the first half of the year and the other 1 per cent in the second.

Most companies added 2 per cent Emiratis to their workforce by the end of 2022 and were required to add another 1 per cent by June 30. The deadline to have 3 per cent Emirati employees has now been pushed to July 7.

After July 8, companies will need to add another 1 per cent by the end of 2023, which means their skilled staff must consist of 4 per cent Emiratis by December 31 this year.

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