A total of 824 UAE nationals have been hired by 565 companies in bogus Emiratisation jobs since mid-last year, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). The Ministry said that "necessary legal and administrative action against them” had been initiated.
“It is a clear violation of Emiratisation-related decisions and regulations of the Nafis programme to fake Emiratisation,” MoHRE said.
“In addition to degrading establishment categorization within MoHRE's systems, fines ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000, and potential referral to the Public Prosecution, legal and administrative procedures have been taken against violating establishments.”
In an effort to recover previous financial support, the Ministry has ceased Nafis payments to nationals found to be involved in fake Emiratisation.
It is in accordance with UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 44 of 2023, which modifies some provisions of UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 95 of 2022 related to penalties and administrative fines associated with Nafis initiatives and programs," MoHRE explained. “We are committed to enforcing Emiratisation policies and tracking violations that aim to undermine its objectives.
Exactly what is bogus Emiratisation?
If UAE nationals work in a nominal job without real duties to meet the establishment's Emiratisation targets, then it is considered fake emiratization, and/or when an Emirati is rehired with the intention of circumventing data and gaining the benefits of emiratization.
Companies that engage in bogus emiratization are penalized. Besides imposing financial penalties, violating companies are downgraded to the lowest category within the classification system of private sector establishments registered with the ministry. This step comes with several consequences for private companies, including higher fees for Mohre services.
“The Ministry's digital and field monitoring system, which was designed specifically to verify that private sector establishments are fulfilling their Emiratisation commitments, has proven these violations,” said MOHRE.
Private sector with most Emiratis
More than 17,000 private establishments employ Emiratis, with an estimated 81,000 Emiratis working in the private sector. This is the highest number of Emiratis working in the private sector in the country’s history.
The Ministry appreciated the “commitment to the targeted Emiratisation targets,” shown by most private sector establishments, saying that the public-private partnership “strengthens the country’s economic development objectives.”
The Ministry of Health and Human Resources has encouraged community members to report violations by calling 600590000 or using the Ministry's smart app and website.