UAE Imposes Fine On 436 Private Companies For Violating Emiratization Decisions

The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has imposed penalties on 436 out of 441 private companies that violated Emiratization decisions from the second half of 2022 to date.

MoHRE issued a statement on Wednesday, revealing that 436 establishments have been fined for false Emiratization while five establishments have been found to circumvent Emiratization targets.

"We deal firmly with any violations of Emiratization decisions as this stems from our commitment to achieving the objectives of Emiratization initiatives and policies, which aim to enhance the UAE's human development system, build a productive and sustainable Emirati human capital in the private sector and ensure active participation from Emiratis in the national economy," the ministry said, as per a news release.

While the ministry imposed fines on these private companies, it also applauded those that complied with Emiratization decisions, calling them "partners to the government in achieving Emiratization objectives, which are a national priority, supported and closely overseen by the wise leadership."

Aside from imposing fines on the companies, the ministry has also downgraded those establishments to the third category, which is the lowest category in the private sector.

This downgrade causes companies to pay higher fees to the government compared to the first and second categories in the private sector.

"We urge UAE nationals not to accept false Emiratization jobs, as the financial support allocated by Nafis aims to empower UAE nationals in real jobs, enabling them to actively participate in the UAE's development process across various sectors," the ministry said.

The ministry then urged all the Emiratis working in the private sector, alongside the general public, to report the authorities at 600590000 or through the ministry's smart application if any violations related to Emiratization decisions come to their notice.

MoHRE tweeted the same information on social media, and several people replied to the post with names of companies that allegedly mistreat their employees. Meanwhile, some Twitter users questioned if their identities would be disclosed if they report any such incident.

The ministry's official account responded by talking to these users privately.

Last week, MoHRE announced new rules for expansion in Emiratization in private sector establishments, noting that Emiratization targets companies and individual establishments with a workforce ranging from 20 to 49 employees in specific economic activities.

The companies who fail to employ at least one Emirati next year will have to pay a fine of 96,000 dirhams ($26,000) and if two Emirati aren't hired by 2025, then the company will have to pay 108,000 dirhams ($30,000) as a fine.