The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has instructed private sector firms with 50 or more employees to meet their Emiratisation targets for the first half of 2025 by June 30. Companies are required to increase the share of Emirati citizens in skilled roles by at least 1% of their total skilled workforce.
From July 1, MoHRE will begin auditing compliance with these targets, including verification of employee registration in the national social security system and proof of regular contribution payments. Companies that fail to meet the requirements will be subject to financial penalties.
The mandate is part of a broader push to expand UAE national employment in the private sector. According to MoHRE, over 136,000 Emiratis worked in private companies as of April 2025 across 28,000 firms.
The Emiratisation initiative is supported by the Nafis programme, which provides a database of qualified Emirati candidates and job-matching services. MoHRE has said that compliant companies may receive benefits such as reduced service fees—up to 80%—and preferred access to government procurement through membership in the Emiratisation Partners Club.
The Ministry has deployed a digital inspection system to monitor violations, including false Emiratisation practices. Between mid-2022 and April 2025, approximately 2,200 companies were found in breach of Emiratisation rules, and legal measures were taken.
Complaints about violations can be submitted through MoHRE’s call centre, mobile application, or website.
