UAE Enforces Strict Emiratisation Deadlines with Fines Up to 96,000 Dirhams per Unfilled Position

  • 05/12/2025

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has mandated that all private companies complete their 2% Emiratisation targets by December 31st, with strict penalties for non-compliance starting January 1, 2026. Companies failing to hire required Emirati staff will face fines of 8,000 dirhams monthly (96,000 annually) per position, increasing to 9,000 monthly next year.

Key requirements include:

  • Companies with 50+ employees: 2% Emirati workforce

  • Companies with 20-49 employees: Minimum one Emirati hire

  • 68 professional/technical positions across 14 sectors including IT, real estate, and healthcare

The Nafis program has already placed 136,000 Emiratis in private sector roles, with total national employment reaching 154,000 across 30,000 companies. Compliant businesses gain access to the "Tauteen Partners Club" offering 80% discounts on government fees and priority services. Authorities will intensify inspections from January and impose severe penalties (100,000-500,000 dirhams) for fraudulent hiring practices or attempts to circumvent requirements through artificial workforce reductions.

Related News