UAE extends Emiratisation deadline for private sector

The decision takes into account the Eid Al Adha holiday that falls at the end of June

By January 1, companies in the UAE with 50 employees or more must ensure that 3 per cent of their workforce is Emirati. Emirates Global Aluminium's (pictured) Emiratisation rate exceeds 42 per cent. Bloomberg

Private companies with 20 to 49 employees must hire at least one UAE citizen by 2024 and another by 2025. Silvia Razgova / The National

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

Young Emiratis are being encouraged to look to the private sector, instead of the government, for opportunities. Satish Kumar / The National

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs, chair the National Competitiveness Council. Photo: UAE Government Media Office

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

Companies racing to meet the mid-year Emiratisation deadline have been granted an extra week due to the Eid Al Adha holiday.

Officials announced on Tuesday that the new deadline to meet the target will be July 7. Previously, the deadline was June 30.

Companies that do not meet the deadline will face a fine of Dh42,000 for each Emirati role not filled on July 8, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said in a circular.

The half-year target for the private sector was for 1 per cent of the workforce to be filled by Emirati employees.

Companies with fewer than 50 employees are exempt from the programme.

“As the ministry is committed to achieving its objectives of creating a competitive job market for UAE nationals and developing their skills through more collaboration with the private sector, we decided allowing more time for companies to comply with the decision and avoid relevant penalties,” said the ministry.

“We call on companies to take advantage of the extended deadline to reach their targets.”

The ministry said Emirati professionals had proved their competence across a range of positions in the private sector that require a high level of efficiency and knowledge.

“This provides an enormous boost to our efforts, in line with the government’s objectives and vision,” the ministry said.

“We consider the private sector to be an active partner in achieving a long-term growth, as our collaborative efforts will benefit the job market.”