Dubai: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has informed companies about Cabinet Resolution No. (33/5W) of 2023, which focuses on expanding Emiratisation targets. MoHRE notified more than 12,000 private companies employing a workforce of 20-49 individuals.
Companies with 20–49 employees will have to hire one UAE national in 2024 and another in 2025.
This move is anticipated to provide about 12,000 jobs per year for UAE citizens in 2024 and 2025 in key economic sectors to consolidate the Emiratisation file, a top concern for the UAE government.
This Resolution comes in addition to Emiratisation targets for companies with 50 or more employees that are required to achieve a 2 percent Emiratisation growth in skilled jobs.
Ms. Ayesha Belharfia, Under-Secretary for Emiratisation Affairs at MoHRE, stated that, “We are committed to following-up the implementation of Emiratisation targets, in line with the policies and resolutions of the UAE Cabinet in this regard. To that end, we adopt an integrated system of policies, standards, regulatory tools, and partnerships to achieve our objectives: empower Emirati professionals, enhance their competitiveness, and broaden their engagement in the workforce across the labour market.”
Companies that do not meet the requirements in 2024 will be required to pay an annual financial contribution starting in January 2025. The amount of money involved is $26,112 (AED 96,000) for each UAE citizen who is not hired.
Meanwhile, a financial contribution of $29,376 (AED108,000) will be imposed in January 2026 for the year 2025. As per the statement, companies can pay their due contributions in installments in agreement with MoHRE.