Private establishments subject to Emiratisation targets to be expanded in 2024 and 2025

Authored by: Rachel Hill

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (“MOHRE”) has announced in an update dated 11 July 2023 that private sector establishments with 20-49 employees, across 14 key economic sectors, will be subject to Emiratisation targets from 2024. 

The Emiratisation initiative, which aims to increase the number of UAE Nationals employed in the private sector, will require these targeted establishments to hire at least one UAE National in 2024 and another in 2025. Non-compliant establishments in 2024 will be subjected to a fine of AED 96,000 per each UAE National not hired, increasing to AED 108,000 if the establishment remains non-compliant in 2025. 

Establishments will have two months to hire a replacement for a departing UAE National, failing which they will be subjected to the aforementioned fines. 

For any advice or guidance in respect of Emiratisation, please contact Partner and Head of Employment Rachel Hill.

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