Up to Dhs500,000 fine for firms circumventing Emiratisation targets: Ministry

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that it will take three measures against companies found committing fake Emiratisation.

The deadline for private sector companies with 50 or more employees to meet the first-half 2025 Emiratisation targets is coming June 30.

Companies are required to achieve a minimum 1% growth in the number of Emiratis having skilled jobs compared to their total skilled workforce.

MoHRE outlined the following penalties for companies practising fake Emiratisation as follows: Exclusion of falsely reported Emiratis from the company’s calculated Emiratisation ratio, mandatory repayment of contributions for years in which the company falsely claimed to meet targets, and obligation to achieve actual targets missed due to fake Emiratisation.

Fines for circumventing Emiratisation targets are decided by MoHRE as follows: First violation is Dhs100,000, second is Dhs300,000 and the third or any subsequent violations are Dhs500,000.

Starting July 1, 2025, MoHRE will verify companies’ compliance, including ensuring that hired Emiratis are registered with social insurance funds and that contributions are paid regularly. This aligns with the UAE’s strategic vision to integrate Emiratis into the private sector workforce and combat fraudulent practices.

Companies are urged to meet targets promptly to avoid penalties and support national employment goals.

MoHRE expressed confidence in companies to achieve these goals, particularly through "Nafis" electronic platform.

Exceptional performers in Emiratisation will be granted Partner Club membership, offering up to 80% discounts on MoHRE services and priority in government procurement systems.

The ministry highlighted its digital field monitoring system, which has successfully identified 2,200 violating establishments since mid-2022 till April 2015, with legal actions taken against them.

This system detects practices like fake Emiratisation or manipulation of targets. The Ministry provides multiple channels to report violations, including calling the call centre at 600590000, or through the Smart App and Official Website.