Emiratization: UAE Warns Private Companies Against Deceptive Job Ads, Low Salaries To Locals

The UAE has warned private businesses against posting false job advertisements and offering citizens unskilled positions with low salaries.

In a formal resolution published by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, the government addressed the private sector's compliance with Emiratization policies in relation to advertising, compensation, and training requirements, saying authorities will conduct more thorough inspections to make sure that laws supporting the local private sector workforce are being followed.

The Emiratization initiative aims to increase the percentage of UAE nationals in the workforce to 10% by 2026. By Jan. 1, private companies with at least 50 employees should ensure that 2% of their workforce are Emiratis.

According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, private companies should seek approval from the former before mentioning the government's Emiratization policies, support, and benefits in their job advertisements. Under Ministerial Resolution No. 663 of 2022, advertisements that do not reflect actual job opportunities, announcements of unskilled jobs, and deceptive mention of government subsidies and incentives are prohibited by the government.

The resolution also bars private companies from deceitfully offering government assistance and incentive programs, and making unauthorized deductions from the salaries of Emirati nationals. Moreover, it calls on private companies to provide job training and skill enhancements to their workers.

"Expanding Emiratization in the country requires regulating all aspects," the ministry said in a statement. "We are keen to specify the duties and obligations of all parties, set laws to regulate recently observed violations through intensifying inspection visits, define necessary measures and ensure that all parties follow them."

The resolution states that when hiring an Emirati, a business should obtain a work permit from the ministry, sign a contract, pay proper wages, register UAE nationals, pay monthly pensions and social security contributions within a month of receiving employment documents. When the employee leaves, it is also the duty of the company to revoke the work permit and notify the relevant authorities.

The new resolution came after the ministry received complaints that some private companies were offering unskilled positions to locals. Recently, authorities had looked into a fast-food chain that advertised sandwich maker positions for UAE citizens.