Companies warned over offering unskilled jobs to Emiratis

Prosecutors say employer broke law over adverts for menial roles ahead of January 1 deadline

Emiratis pictured at a job fair for UAE nationals. The government has major plans to boost the number working in the private sector. The National

A private sector company that advertised unskilled jobs for Emiratis is under investigation by prosecutors.

The unnamed firm's chief executive will be questioned over the job posting, which "broke both Emiratisation regulations and media content standards as it included contentious content", news agency Wam said.

Details about the company and the nature of the job were not disclosed.

The Federal Prosecution for Countering Rumours and Cybercrimes is questioning the company's chief executive, Wam said.

The attorney general said private sector businesses should adhere to the instructions in Ministerial Resolution 279.

By January 1, companies with more than 50 employees must ensure 2 per cent of their staff are Emirati under a government drive to encourage more citizens to enter the sector.

Last week, social media users complained that a fast food outlet offered Emiratis roles as sandwich makers in a job advert.

Jobs must be "skilled", the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said.

The government wants citizens make up 10 per cent of the private sector workforce by 2026.

Any employer that fails to reach the target will have to pay a fine of Dh72,000 in January for each Emirati worker they fail to hire, which equates to Dh6,000 a month for every month in 2022.

_______________________________________

Emiratisation salary top-ups explained

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed chair the National Competitiveness Council. New figures show 50,000 Emiratis now work in the UAE's private sector - a rise of more than 28,000 in one year. Photo: UAE Government Media Office

As of January 2023, companies in the UAE must ensure that 2 per cent of their workforce is Emirati. This will rise by 1 per cent every six months until it is 10 per cent. Freezone companies are exempt. Christopher Pike / Bloomberg

Semi-government owned companies such as Strata, which makes aircraft parts, are major employers of Emiratis. The government wants more privately-owned companies to hire Emiratis. Photo: Mubadala

Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, said a greater mix of Emiratis and foreign talent will make the country more competitive. Victor Besa / The National

Young Emiratis are being urged to look to the private sector for opportunities and away from traditional jobs in government. Satish Kumar / The National