Minister vows to tackle rogue private-sector firms abusing Emiratisation rules

Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, said some companies reduced salaries offered to Emirati candidates

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

The UAE's Emiratisation Minister is determined to take tough action against companies found guilty of abusing the rules that encourage more citizens to go to work in the private sector.

Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, said some companies had cut salaries provided to Emirati candidates in the knowledge they would receive financial benefits from the government.

Dr Al Awar said the ministry would deal with businesses flouting regulations “in the right manner”.

“The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation is closely monitoring the implementation of Emiratisation in the labour market and has come across some unfortunate cases,” the minister said in a statement released by the MoHRE.

Rashed Abdulla Al Sumaity, an associate at Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants in Dubai. The legal and banking professions have the highest Emiratisation in the private sector. All photos by Victor Besa / The National

Official announcements show the UAE government’s resolve to encourage citizens to take on private sector jobs and persuade companies to take Emiratis on board.

Raka Roy (R), partner at Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants and Eslam Oraif, legal counsel, break down the government announcements that offer extra salary and benefits to UAE citizens taking jobs in the private sector.

Rashed Abdulla Al Sumaity (R) with Eslam Oraif of Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants. The UAE government's Nafis scheme has set a target of 75,000 Emiratis in private sector jobs by 2026.

The UAE Cabinet approved that private companies with more than 50 employees should have at least a 2 per cent Emirati workforce by 2021.

UAE government support programmes will empower and protect Emirati employees in the private sector.

Salary incentives are being offered to Emirati university graduates and UAE citizens in training for skilled jobs.

“Some companies have been found to reduce salaries of Emirati job candidates given that Nafis would offer them several benefits, including salary top-ups when they are hired.

“Therefore, we reiterate that the ministry will be firm in implementing the necessary procedures with any company that attempts to abuse Emiratisation-related policies and decisions, including Nafis' benefits.

“MoHRE will address and deal with any such abuse in the right manner.”

UAE aims to boost Emirati private-sector workforce

Emiratis with a university degree who work in the private sector will now receive a Dh7,000 monthly salary top-up, up from Dh5,000 at present.

The changes were announced at a meeting of 500 senior government leaders on Wednesday.

The payment will be Dh6,000 for diploma holders and Dh5,000 for high school graduates.

The move is designed to attract more Emiratis away from government jobs, where salaries tend to be higher.

The Nafis scheme was set up to support the government's push to ensure citizens make up 10 per cent of the private sector by 2026, including 2 per cent by January 1.

“Some of these false and negative practices are considered as a clear violation of the federal decree Law No 33 of 2021, regarding regulation of labour relations as it falls under discrimination between persons that would impact career opportunities in the labour market,” Dr Al Awar said.

“We call on Emirati job seekers or those who are currently working in the private sector or community members at large to report any false practices pertaining to Emiratisation in the labour market through MoHRE's call centre — 600 59 0000 — to raise compliance with the relevant decisions, policies, laws and legislations.”

Clamping down on rule-breakers

The ministry announced this month that there was an investigation into the conduct of a private company.

The unnamed business is facing legal action on claims it wrongly deducted money from the salaries of Emirati staff intended to support their training under a government employment initiative.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation referred the case to public prosecutors after a complaint was lodged by a female Emirati trainee.

Investigations revealed the woman and other workers who were part of the UAE's Nafis programme were instructed to pay monthly contributions to their employer, which were taken out of the additional payments they were due to receive for a period of 12 months.