Private sector companies to expedite the hiring of at least one Emirati citizen by the end of 2024

Companies in the private sector with 20 to 49 workers have been urged by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) to hire at least one Emirati citizen by the end of 2024. 

This comes after the UAE Cabinet decided to increase Emiratization efforts and made it mandatory for these businesses to hire at least one UAE native in 2025. 

The new regulations impact more than 12,000 businesses in 14 different economic sectors, including as real estate, banking, healthcare, and construction. These industries are expanding quickly and provide a wealth of employment options for Emiratis.

Companis that do not reach their 2024 goals risk financial penalties of AED 96,000, which will take effect in January 2025. Payments for non-compliance begin in 2026, and the penalty rises to AED 108,000 in 2025. 

Additionally, MoHRE emphasised the need of keeping Emirati workers who were employed before to January 2024 and making sure they are included in the nation's pension scheme. In order to meet their goals, the Ministry advised firms to make use of the Nafis program, which links them with qualified Emirati experts. 

Furthermore, MoHRE issued a warning against "Fake Emiratization" tactics and threatened to punish offenders severely.

This decision fits into the bigger picture, to increase skilled employment for companies with 50 or more employees by 10% through emiratization by 2026. With seminars and awareness programs targeted at improving Emirati hiring, the Ministry is still dedicated to helping private-sector businesses.