MoHRE sets June 30 deadline for Emiratisation targets compliance

The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that June 30th is the final deadline for companies to meet the Emiratisation targets for the first half of the year.

This initiative aims to achieve a 1 per cent increase in the employment of UAE citizens in skilled jobs within companies that have 50 or more employees, in accordance with the Council of Ministers’ decisions.

MoHRE to begin verification

Starting from 1st July, MoHRE will begin verifying compliance levels among these companies. Non-compliant establishments will be subject to financial contributions as penalties.

In a statement released on Sunday, MoHRE commended the companies that have already met the required growth in Emiratisation. The ministry emphasised the importance of registering Emirati employees in authorised pension funds and the Wage Protection System (WPS). These steps ensure that Emiratisation targets are not only met but maintained.

“Achieving and maintaining these growth rates in Emirati employment is crucial as it adds significant value to the business sector and aligns with the UAE’s rapid economic transformation,” MoHRE stated.

The ministry also urged companies that have not yet met their Emiratisation targets to utilise the Nafis Programme’s digital platform.

This platform provides access to a vast pool of qualified Emirati job seekers across various specialisations, making it easier for companies to find the talent they need to comply with the targets.

“Emiratisation is a top priority for the UAE Government. It plays a pivotal role in achieving our economic growth objectives and empowering national human capital,” MoHRE reiterated.

Key points:

• Deadline: June 30, 2024 for first-half Emiratisation targets.
• Compliance Check: Begins July 1, 2024.
• Penalties: Financial contributions for non-compliance.
• Support: Utilise the Nafis Programme for hiring Emirati talent.
• Legal Framework: Emphasises registration in pension funds and WPS.

Penalty for missing Emiratisation deadline

Additionally, MoHRE’s monitoring systems identified 1,379 companies attempting to circumvent Emiratisation regulations by unlawfully hiring 2,170 UAE citizens between mid-2022 and 16th May 2024. These companies faced penalties, downgraded ratings, and some cases were referred to the Public Prosecution. Financial penalties were imposed from the start of the violations, and companies were mandated to take corrective measures.

MoHRE called on the public to report any violations through its call centre at 600590000 or via its smart application, stressing that the Emiratisation targets are integral to enhancing Emirati participation in the job market and contributing to the country’s economic development.

The ministry remains confident in the private sector’s ability to meet these commitments amidst the UAE’s robust economic growth. “The participation of UAE nationals in private-sector jobs not only enriches the business sector but also fosters growth in the companies that employ them,” MoHRE added.

This push towards greater Emirati representation in skilled jobs is part of the broader national strategy to develop and integrate local talent into the private sector, ensuring sustainable economic development and prosperity for the UAE.