MoHRE calls on establishments to meet Emiratisation targets before end of December 2024

emirates7 - The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has reiterated its call for private-sector companies subject to Emiratisation policies to meet their 2024 targets by the end of December. Compliant companies will be eligible for a range of benefits, while those failing to comply will face financial penalties starting January 1, 2025.

Emiratisation policies apply to businesses with 50 or more employees, which are required to increase the number of Emiratis in skilled positions by 2% by the year's end. Non-compliant companies will incur a penalty of AED 96,000 for each Emirati position not filled. A smaller group of businesses with 20 to 49 employees in 14 specified sectors must hire at least one Emirati and retain those employed before January 2024. These companies will also face the AED 96,000 penalty for failing to meet the requirement.

The Ministry emphasized its commitment to monitoring compliance with these policies and maintaining the success of Emiratisation, which has seen over 117,000 Emiratis employed across 22,000 private-sector companies. MoHRE also underlined its ongoing support for companies to meet their Emiratisation targets, ensuring that the private sector plays a key role in advancing national development goals, including transitioning to a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.

The Ministry encouraged businesses to use the Nafis platform to connect with Emirati job-seekers, aiding in meeting their targets. It also urged companies to enroll their Emirati employees in pension, retirement, and social security systems and process their wages through the Wage Protection System (WPS).

Compliant businesses can benefit from the Emiratisation Partners Club, which offers incentives such as up to 80% discounts on Ministry fees and priority in government procurement. The Ministry also warned against fraudulent Emiratisation practices and assured that its oversight system would detect and address any violations.

MoHRE urged Emirati job-seekers to verify job offers to avoid falling victim to fake Emiratisation schemes and to continue benefiting from the Nafis programme. The Ministry encouraged the public to report any non-compliant practices through its call centre, smart application, or website.