MoHRE notifies more than 12,000 private companies to meet Emiratization targets

He Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) has notified more than 12,000 private companies with between 20 and 49 workers that Cabinet Resolution No. (33/5W) of 2023 on the expansion of the Emiratization objectives will come into force from January 2024.

Companies with between 20 and 49 workers will be required to hire one UAE national in 2024 and another in 2025.

This measure is expected to create around 12,000 jobs annually for UAE citizens in 2024 and 2025 in several vital economic sectors to consolidate the Emiratization record, a top priority for the UAE Government.

This Resolution adds to the Emiratization targets for companies with 50 or more employees that must achieve 2% Emiratization growth in skilled jobs.

Ayesha Belharfia, MoHRE Undersecretary for Emiratization Affairssaying,

“We are committed to following up on the implementation of the Emiratization objectives, in accordance with the policies and resolutions of the UAE Cabinet in this regard. To that end, we adopt an integrated system of policies, standards, regulatory tools and partnerships to achieve our objectives: to empower Emirati professionals, improve their competitiveness and expand their workforce participation across the labor market.”

Belharfia called on companies included in the Emiratization objectives after the expansion to register as soon as possible on the Nafis platform and benefit from the support of the program.

The companies included in the new Resolution operate in 14 specific economic activities: information and communications; Finance and Insurance; real estate; professional and technical activities; administrative and support services; education; healthcare and social work; art and Entertainment; mines and quarries; transforming industries; construction; Wholesale and retail; transportation and storage; and hospitality and residential services.

The companies were selected according to specific criteria and data, including the quality of their jobs, the degree of compatibility with the goals of Emiratization, geographical locations, growth and other conditions that would attract UAE citizens to work in these economic activities and would guarantee the continuity of employment. The activities were also chosen based on their rapid growth rate and their ability to provide jobs and a suitable work environment.

Starting January 2025, an annual financial contribution will be imposed on companies that do not meet their requirements in 2024, amounting to AED 96,000 for each UAE citizen not hired. Meanwhile, a financial contribution of AED 108,000 will be imposed in January 2026 for the year 2025. Companies can pay their outstanding contributions in installments according to the MoHRE.

News source: Emirates News Agency