According to Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations, its amendments, executive regulations, and implementing resolutions, establishments that violate any of three specific violations will be subject to administrative fines of Dh20,000 per employee, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE).
Fines are applicable in cases as follow:
- A UAE national does not start the job after a work permit is granted and the company is endorsed by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis).
- The employee stops showing up for work on a regular basis after joining; or
- When an employee quits their job, the company fails to notify the Council.
The Ministry called on private sector businesses with 50 or more employees to reach the Emiratization goal by June 30 of 2025, which is to raise the number of UAE citizens in skilled employment by at least 1%.
Beginning July 1, the Ministry will start confirming that businesses are meeting these goals. This will include confirming that newly recruited Emiratis are enrolled with one of the nation's social insurance funds and that they are making regular contributions. Companies who do not comply will be imposed with penalties.
MoHRE urges the public to report any private sector practices that violate national Emiratization regulations through its official website, smart application, or phone center (600590000).
