Expansion of the "Emiratisation" program
A new requirement for hiring UAE citizens in private companies has been introduced in the UAE. Now, companies with a staff count from 20 to 49 are obligated to fulfill a quota for the first time, hiring at least one UAE citizen in 2024 and another by 2025. Previously, the requirement applied only to companies with 50 or more employees.
The requirement applies to private companies across 14 sectors, including real estate, education, construction, and healthcare. The fine for failing to meet the quota is 96,000 dirhams ($26,000) in 2024 and increases to 108,000 dirhams ($30,000) in 2025 if a company does not hire two UAE citizens.
The rule is implemented as part of the expansion of the "Emiratisation" program, which aims to stimulate UAE citizens to take up skilled positions in the private sector. It is noted that this will create more opportunities for UAE graduates, especially in startups and small enterprises.
The new requirement for hiring UAE citizens applies to the following 14 sectors:
A new requirement for hiring UAE citizens in private companies has been introduced in the UAE. Now, companies with a staff count from 20 to 49 are obligated to fulfill a quota for the first time, hiring at least one UAE citizen in 2024 and another by 2025. Previously, the requirement applied only to companies with 50 or more employees.
The requirement applies to private companies across 14 sectors, including real estate, education, construction, and healthcare. The fine for failing to meet the quota is 96,000 dirhams ($26,000) in 2024 and increases to 108,000 dirhams ($30,000) in 2025 if a company does not hire two UAE citizens.
The rule is implemented as part of the expansion of the "Emiratisation" program, which aims to stimulate UAE citizens to take up skilled positions in the private sector. It is noted that this will create more opportunities for UAE graduates, especially in startups and small enterprises.
The new requirement for hiring UAE citizens applies to the following 14 sectors:
- Information and communication technologies
- Finance and insurance
- Real estate
- Professional and technical activities
- Administrative and support services
- Art and entertainment
- Mining and quarrying
- Transformation industries
- Education
- Healthcare and social work
- Construction
- Wholesale and retail trade
- Transportation and storage
- Hospitality and accommodation services
