UAE: Experts report spike in enquiries as private firms race to meet Dec 31 Emiratisation targets, avoid fines

Medium to large private sector companies have put in place plans to achieve the Emiratisation target announced by the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) while other firms are still struggling with appropriate staff quotas and clarifications for their Emiratisation quota.

Starting January 1, 2023, private sector companies with more than 50 employees must meet a minimum Emiratisation percentage of two per cent for skilled jobs set by MoHRE in order to avoid penalties.

The authority said Dh72,000 will be collected for each Emirati not employed starting January 2023 from non-compliant companies.

“Overall, we see progress on the Emiratisation front and expect to see more hiring in the private sector… Companies have planned out a strategy to employ and retain UAE nationals. We don’t see a rush to employ them as having a good talent acquisition strategy has helped mid to large organisations to link the graduate programme with their learning and development academy,” said Vijay Gandhi, regional director for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Korn Ferry, a global management consulting firm.