The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has called on private sector companies to achieve hiring targets within the next 47 days, threatening a fine of $20,000 (AED72,000) per year for each Emirati not employed.

This is a strong push from the government to increase the number of Emiratis in the workforce, and private companies have been given a clear incentive to make it happen.

Companies with more than 50 employees must ensure that at least 2% of their workforce is Emirati before Jan. 1. The process is in line with the government's The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (NAFIS) initiative.

"We reaffirm our belief in developing the UAE labor market in partnership with the private sector to help achieve an improved business environment and investment climate that encourages companies, investors, entrepreneurs, and talented people from all over the world to work in the UAE, especially in strategic sectors," the ministry said in a statement.

With a robust Emiratisation policy, the UAE government intends to protect businesses and their employees, while also ensuring that people in the country have access to good quality jobs.

"Ultimately, private sector companies and their employees benefit when they adhere to the legislation regulating the labor market. The Emiratisation support is carried out through two tracks. The first is to expand the base of jobs available to nationals in the private sector, and the second is to build a safety net that supports them in their career path till the very end," the ministry added in the statement.

What is the Nafis Initiative?

The Nafis (meaning to compete in Arabic) program was launched on Sept. 13, 2021, as part of the UAE's "Projects of the 50," and aims to support Emirati nationals to pursue and develop their careers in the private sector.

The UAE government has announced an ambitious target of creating 75,000 jobs in the private sector by 2025.

The program is also open to private-sector employers who want to partner with the UAE government to create employment opportunities and increase the number of UAE nationals in their organizations.

Furthermore, the government's general target is to have 10% Emiratisation in the private sector by 2025 in skilled and knowledge-based roles.

Emirati employees
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