"Firms in the UAE need to employ more Emiratis by the middle of the year or face fines." MOHRE
A UAE Cabinet resolution on modifying the mechanism for achieving Emiratisation targets at private sector companies with 50 employees or more came into force. What is highlighted in this resolution? pic.twitter.com/GxDwcdoSIi
— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) March 4, 2023
New mechanism for achieving Emiratisation Targets
The overall mechanism for achieving the targeted Emiratisation rates has not changed; it became semi-annual instead of annual. Companies with 50 employees of more are required to achieve an increase of 1% of skills jobs every 6 months and reach a growth of 2% by the end of the year.
the annual 2% Emiratisation Growth for skilled jobs in 2022 for private sector companies and the 10% goal for 2026 have no been changed in this resolution.
The resolution aims to accelerate achieving Emiratisation targets and employer UAE Nationals in the private sector throughout the year.
The financial contributions for non-compliant companies have not been modified.
The resolution plays a significant role in enhancing the workforce planning without overlapping with the Emiratisation targets, as there will be no new or additional commitments on companies
Financial contributions on non-compliant companies will start to be applied in July 2023 as well as the remaining contributions from 2022.
UAE firms were instructed to ensure a minimum of 2% employees were UAE Nationals by the end of 2022.
However this figure must increase by 2% annually until it reaches 10% in 2026.
While annual targets remain the same, firms must achieve a mid-year target of a 1% increase of every six months.
Currently, firms that fail to meet the targets will be fined at a rate of AED6,000 a month or AED72,000 a year. The fine will be paid in a single instalment.

