Nafis to phase out benefits for Emiratis earning below Dhs6,000 in UAE

The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC), through its "Nafis" programme, announced that a new system will be introduced to support citizens employed in the private sector, particularly those not linked with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (Mohre) or the Central Bank of the UAE. This includes individuals working in free zones who are not subject to minimum wage regulations. The system will roll out in three phases.

ETCC outlined the plan's first phase, set from September 2026 to February 2027, where there will be no reduction in benefits. During this period, recipients will receive the full benefit amount each month. The second phase, from March to August 2027, will introduce a 30% reduction in benefits. Following this, the third phase—from September to November 2027, will see benefits reduced by 70%, with this reduced amount provided across the three months. The final phase will conclude with the end of support entirely.

The Council announced that upcoming updates to the "Nafis" programme will be rolled out using a phased approach for individuals earning below the approved minimum wage. This applies to sectors not covered by minimum wage laws, and these individuals will qualify for support once their salary is raised to Dhs6,000 per month.

Further, it detailed that full support payments will continue for six months starting September 2026, equating to Dhs6,000. Afterward, 70% of the support amount will be provided for another six months, totaling Dhs4,200. Finally, 30% of support will be given for three months, amounting to Dhs1,800. If the employee's situation remains unchanged by January 2028, support will end one year and four months after the policy is enacted. Support will be reinstated when the salary meets the Dhs6,000 minimum wage.