The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has broadened its efforts to ensure that the private and public sector firms in the UAE comply with the Emiratisation requirements before the December 31, 2025, deadline.
Moreover, the ministry alerted that companies that fail to meet their mandated Emiratisation quotas will face penalties and potential legal repercussions from the 1st of January, 2025. This renewed push highlights the commitment of the UAE government to strengthening Emirati participation in the private sector and boosting the national employment strategies.
Strengthening National Employment Goals
The recent directive calls of the MOHRE on private businesses covered by the Emiratisation laws to ramp up hiring and retention of the Emirati nationals in the skilled roles. Moreover, firms that fail to meet their required quotas must make financial contributions that the ministry determines.
The ministry requested companies to use platforms like Nafis, as it connects Emirati job seekers with private employers. Plus, the system aims to streamline recruitment and ensure compliance. Moreover, these efforts form a part of the broader initiative of the UAE to integrate citizens into key sectors of the economy and provide sustainable employment pathways.
Understanding Emiratisation Requirement Quotas
According to MoHRE, firms with 50 or more workers are required to increase their number of Emirati employees in skilled positions by 2 per cent yearly before the year ends. On the other hand, companies with 20 to 49 employees, particularly those in fast-growing industries, must employ at least one Emirati national before the 1st of January 2026.
If businesses fail to meet these targets, they will face financial penalties, legal actions, or even a downgrade in company classification. Moreover, firms might also be required to undergo compliance reviews under the establishment reviews of the MOHRE to rectify violations.
MoHRE Highlights Progress and Warns Against ‘Fake Emiratisation’
The MoHRE also highlighted the private companies for their growing participation and understanding of their national responsibilities. However, the ministry also appreciated the firms that have actively contributed to the vision of the UAE of supporting citizens in the workforce and attracting economic growth.
On the other hand, it also raised concerns over the fraudulent methods like “Fake Emiratisation”, where companies falsely claim to employ Emiratis to meet the targets. However, the MoHRE has boosted its monitoring systems using AI-driven tools and expanded reporting channels to address this issue.
Emirati citizens are motivated to report violations confidentially through the call centre, digital platforms, or the official website of the ministry. Hence, it ensures swift investigation and resolution.
Incentives for Compliant Companies
The MoHRE reconfirmed incentives for firms that exceed the Emiratisation requirements to reward genuine compliance. Moreover, eligible companies can benefit from initiatives like the Emiratisation Partners Club and the Nafis programme. However, it is important to note that it offers up to 80 per cent reductions in ministry service fees and priority access to the government contracts.
These perks promote fair employment methods throughout the country. In addition, it encourages companies to see Emiratisation as a long-term investment in talent development and national progress.
Over 152,000 Emiratis Now in Private Sector Roles
As of June 30, 2025, more than 152,000 Emiratis were employed across 29,000 private-sector companies in the UAE. Now, Emiratis hold diverse roles across big economic sectors, like business services, finance, trade, construction, and manufacturing.
Moreover, their presence is spread across technical, administrative, and managerial positions. So, it reflects the growing success of the UAE in empowering its national workforce. However, the MoHRE also reported the detection of 405 cases related to fake Emiratisation in the first half of 2025, which reinforces the need for continued vigilance and ethical hiring practices across the private sector.
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