The United Arab Emirates persists in its commitment to promoting local talent, introducing a new rule for private firms in the UAE through the expansion of the Emiratisation drive. In a noteworthy move, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has encompassed private companies with 20 to 49 employees in the initiative, significantly broadening its scope and potential impact.
Including Smaller Private Firms
This inclusion marks a critical shift from the previous approach, which saw only companies with 50 or more employees mandated to participate in the Emiratisation initiative. As announced by the MoHRE, the new policy applies to private firms in UAE across a spectrum of 14 economic sectors such as property, education, construction, and healthcare.
The decision is in alignment with a UAE Cabinet Resolution aiming to expand the Emiratisation pool in the private sector. It signals a broader recognition of the role smaller companies can play in boosting employment opportunities for UAE nationals.
Boosting Emirati Employment Across Key Sectors
The core goal of this decision is to increase the number of Emiratis employed in targeted establishments across these key sectors. The companies falling under the new criteria will be required to hire at least one UAE citizen in 2024 and another in 2025. To ensure clear communication, the targeted establishments will receive relevant information through the Ministry’s digital channels.
A variety of sectors will be affected by this change, including information and communications, financial and insurance activities, property, professional and technical activities, administrative and support services, arts and entertainment, mining and quarrying, transformative industries, education, healthcare, and social work, construction, wholesale and retail, transportation and warehousing, as well as hospitality and residency services.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The new Emiratisation rule for private firms does not come without their repercussions. Companies with 20 to 49 employees that fail to employ at least one Emirati in 2024 will face a hefty fine of Dh96,000. The fine escalates to Dh108,000 for firms that have not employed two Emiratis by the close of 2025.
Previously, companies situated in free zones were exempt from these rulings, but it remains unconfirmed whether the same exceptions will apply to the newly targeted companies within these zones.
Mark Williams and Emiratisation
Mark Williams, an advocate for Emiratisation, has taken a keen interest in this latest development. Recognising the immense potential of Emiratisation, they see this new Emiratisation rule for private firms as an opportunity to further the cause of empowering UAE nationals and integrating them into varied sectors of the economy.
With their commitment to facilitating the growth and development of Emiratis, Mark Williams plans to contribute to this initiative by offering support to firms navigating these new regulations. The company believes in fostering a culture that values Emirati talent and provides them with the opportunities they need to thrive.
The expansion of Emiratisation to include smaller private firms stands as a testament to the UAE’s commitment to nurturing local talent and contributing to their economic prosperity. As we await further clarifications and move forward, the efforts of companies like Mark Williams continue to support this promising initiative and its mission to shape a diverse, inclusive, and prosperous UAE.
