92,000 Emiratis now working in private sector

The number of Emiratis working in the private sector reached nearly 92,000 by the end of 2023.

It marks a 157 per cent increase since the Nafis programme was launched in September 2021 to drive work opportunities for both young and experienced Emiratis.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation praised the commitment of more than 19,000 companies that have employed UAE citizens.

As per the rules, firms with 50 or more employees must ensure that at least 6 per cent of their workforce comprise Emiratis by the end of 2024.

Meanwhile, smaller firms with 20 to 49 workers (engaged in 14 specific economic activities) are required to hire at least one UAE national this year and another in 2025.

Companies that fail to meet their required targets will be fined AED 96,000 for each UAE citizen not appointed in 2024, which will be collected from January 2025.

Meanwhile, a fine of AED 108,000 will be imposed for failure to meet 2025 targets, to be collected in January 2026.

Companies are encouraged to benefit from the Nafis programme's platform, which connects them with skilled Emirati jobseekers across diverse fields.

Under the leadership and support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, we are pleased to announce that the… pic.twitter.com/62PRSloO91

— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) January 4, 2024