MoHRE recoups Dhs2.3m from fake 107 Nafis beneficiaries

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) said it has recovered more than Dhs2.32m ($632,000) in financial support from 107 Emirati beneficiaries of the Nafis programme who accepted fake Emiratisation jobs in the private sector.

MoHRE acted in coordination with Nafis, based on Cabinet Resolution No. (95) of 2022 on violations and administrative penalties related to the initiatives and programmes of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis).

“Our systems track companies’ compliance with hiring Emiratis in real jobs, paying their salaries as agreed in their contracts through the Wage Protection System (WPS) and as shown in the digital link between the Ministry and pension funds in the UAE,” the ministry said in a statement Wednesday.

MoHRE has an effective smart inspection system and conducts regular field visits to companies employing Emirati citizens.

The ministry said it will take legal action against any cases of fake Emiratisation.

Emiratisation is aimed at enhancing the UAE’s human development system, establishing productive and sustainable Emirati human capital in the private sector, and empowering UAE citizens to make effective contributions to the job market.

MoHRE said the benefits provided by the Nafis programme for UAE citizens, together with the facilities that are offered to companies committed to Emiratisation goals, “must align with the national objectives to enhance Emirati citizens’ role in the country’s development.”

The ministry urged UAE citizens not to be lured by fake Emiratisation jobs and encouraged members of the public to report any violations related to Emiratisation policies.

MoHRE’s fines for fake Emiratisation

Meanwhile, MoHRE fined 441 private establishments that violated Emiratisation targets from the second half of 2022 and took administrative penalties and fines against them in July.

The financial benefits provided by the Nafis programme were also ceased for falsely appointed UAE nationals.

In June, MoHRE also fined a private sector company Dhs100,000 for fraudulently evading Emiratisation targets.

According to the Cabinet Resolution Regarding Penalties and Violations Relating to the Initiatives and Programmes of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis), there will be a fine of Dhs300,000 if a company commits a violation for the second time, and Dhs500,000 for the third violation, as well as for each time after the third time.

The UAE government announced a major change to the country’s Emiratisation programme earlier in July. The MoHRE said private companies with 20 to 49 employees are now included in the government’s Emiratisation drive.

The new measure will apply to private companies operating in 14 economic sectors including real estate, education, construction, and health care. They will be required to hire at least one UAE citizen in 2024 and another in 2025.

Previously, only companies with 50 or more employees needed to meet the target of hiring UAE citizens. Earlier this year, the government said companies must increase their proportion of Emirati workers by one per cent every six months.

Read: UAE’s MoHRE fines 441 private companies for false Emiratisation tactics