UAE Urges Private Sector to Meet Emiratisation Targets by End of June

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has called on all private sector companies in the UAE with 50 or more employees to meet their Emiratisation targets for the first half of 2025. These firms are required to ensure that UAE nationals make up at least 1% more of their skilled workforce by June 30, as part of the country’s broader push to enhance the participation of Emiratis in the private sector.

In a statement carried by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the ministry confirmed it will begin verifying compliance starting July 1. This verification process includes ensuring that Emirati employees are registered with an approved social security fund and that required contributions are consistently paid. Companies that fail to meet the obligations risk financial penalties.

“The impressive performance we have seen in the labour market, coupled with the UAE’s rapid economic growth, enhances private sector companies’ ability to meet their Emiratisation targets,” said Farida Al Ali, Assistant Under-Secretary of National Talents at MoHRE. She added that the continued partnership with the Nafis programme plays a key role in supporting nationalisation efforts across private businesses.

Al Ali praised the private sector’s ongoing engagement with Emiratisation policies, noting that more than 136,000 Emiratis were working in private sector roles across 28,000 companies as of the end of April 2025. She expressed confidence in further progress, supported by the Nafis platform, which provides access to a wide pool of qualified Emirati professionals.

To encourage compliance and reward strong performers, the ministry is offering a range of incentives. These include membership in the Emiratisation Partners Club, which grants up to 80% discounts on MoHRE service fees and preferred status in government procurement processes, opening up greater growth opportunities for participating firms.

To combat non-compliance and fraudulent employment practices—such as fake Emiratisation schemes—the ministry has introduced a digital field inspection system. Since mid-2022, this system has flagged approximately 2,200 establishments for violating Emiratisation rules, resulting in legal action.

The MoHRE has urged individuals to report violations through its call centre (600590000), smart application, or official website, as part of ongoing efforts to uphold transparency and integrity in the national workforce strategy.