Dh42,000 fine: Penalty for UAE companies not meeting Emiratisation targets explained
Table of Contents
The UAE government has introduced a new set of penalties for companies that do not meet their Emiratisation targets. The penalties, which came into effect on July 1, 2023, are designed to encourage companies to hire more Emirati nationals.
The penalties are as follows:
- For each Emirati role that is not filled, the company will be fined Dh42,000.
- The fine will be increased by Dh1,000 per year until 2026, when it will reach Dh52,000.
- Companies that repeatedly fail to meet their targets could be banned from hiring foreign workers.
The new penalties are part of the UAE’s efforts to increase the number of Emiratis in the workforce. The government has set a target of 10% Emiratisation by 2026.
In order to meet their targets, companies will need to offer competitive salaries and benefits to Emirati nationals. They will also need to provide training and development opportunities.
The new penalties are a significant deterrent for companies that are not committed to it. However, they also provide an opportunity for companies that are willing to invest in Emirati talent.
What are the benefits of Emiratisation.
There are a number of benefits, both for the UAE economy and for individual companies.
- It helps to create jobs for Emirati nationals.
- It helps to develop Emirati skills and talent.
- It promotes social stability and cohesion.
- It can help to attract foreign investment.
How can companies meet their Emiratisation targets?
There are a number of things that companies can do to meet their targets.
- They can offer competitive salaries and benefits to Emirati nationals.
- They can provide training and development opportunities.
- They can work with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to develop Emiratisation plans.
- They can promote it within their companies.
New initiative
The Industrialist Programme initiative aims to enhance Emiratisation in the manufacturing, industry, and technology sectors in the UAE.
The UAE has introduced the ‘Industrialist Programme’, an initiative focused on enhancing local capabilities and advancing Emiratisation in the industrial sector.
The programme aligns with the target of increasing Emiratisation by 2 percent annually, reaching a 10 percent increase by 2026.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) encompasses various collaborative efforts, including the implementation of the Industrialist Programme and the development of a training program for Emiratis in partnership with training institutes and the industrial sector.
As part of this initiative, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) will connect factories, while a dedicated Special Emiratisation Committee will be established under the National ICV (In-Country Value) program. MoIAT will lead the committee, with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and Nafis (an organization) as members, ensuring the program’s objectives are achieved.
Furthermore, a national campaign will be launched by MoIAT, MoHRE, and Nafis to generate local employment opportunities within the industrial sector.
Overall, this MoU aligns with MoIAT’s strategic goal of supporting the UAE’s industrial sector, boosting the national economy, and expanding the National ICV program.
Understand Corporate Tax For Non-Resident In UAE 2025
Corporate Tax For Non-Resident In UAE UAE is known to be the most business-friendly country in the entire world. however, rules have to be followed,
The future of Emiratisation
The UAE government is committed to increasing the number of Emiratis in the workforce. The new penalties are a sign of the government’s determination to achieve this goal.
In the future, we can expect to see more companies taking steps to meet their targets. This will be good for the UAE economy and for individual companies. It will also help to create a more inclusive society in the UAE.
AHG is a leading regional auditing and legal accounting firm present in the Gulf Cooperation Council and North Africa. Since 2014, AHG has helped businesses operating in the United Arab Emirates achieve maximum success. We are fully prepared to assist your business in the UAE through a team of trained tax experts to prepare your business for corporate tax in the UAE.
AHG-Dubai serves a wide range of multinational clients and companies. This comes in light of the company’s strategy to focus on two core pillars: geographical expansion in border markets and leading a positive community culture. By combining our strengths and experiences in the region, we provide our clients with the best services in their category designed to maximize their investment goals in a fast-changing environment
