UAE records 3416 violations of Emiratisation targets within two years
A recent statistical analysis conducted focused on monitoring violations of Emiratisation targets, as announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
The findings shed light on the efficacy of the Ministry's supervisory mechanisms over the past two years. During this period, the Ministry identified a total of 3,416 violations of Emiratization targets within the private sector, encompassing 251 violations detected in a remarkably brief timeframe of only 40 days, spanning from March 14 to April 24.
The Ministry reported that its supervisory system had scrutinized 1,320 private sector establishments for non-compliance with Emiratization targets and state-issued mandates from the latter half of 2022 up to April 24, 2024. These establishments attempted to circumvent Emiratization goals through deceptive practices labeled "Emiratisation Al-Suri." This illicit maneuvering resulted in the improper hiring of 2,096 citizens, constituting a significant portion of the recorded violations.
Further analysis revealed additional insights into recent enforcement efforts. From mid-2022 until March 14, 1,202 private companies were identified for employing 1,963 citizens in contravention of emigration directives. Subsequently, the Ministry announced on April 24 that it had intervened in 1,320 non-compliant establishments, which had unlawfully employed 2,096 citizens. Notably, 118 private sector entities flagged 251 violations for falsely hiring 133 citizens during the brief period between March 14 and April 24.
The Ministry emphasized its commitment to upholding emancipation policies and deterring fraudulent practices. It outlined a tiered system of penalties for non-compliance, escalating from fines of 20,000 dirhams for first-time offenders to 100,000 dirhams for repeat violations. Additionally, establishments found guilty of fictitious emancipation practices would not have these falsely counted toward their nationalization quotas.
To encourage compliance, the Ministry called upon private sector entities to expedite efforts to meet emancipation targets, underscoring the financial consequences of non-compliance as stipulated by the Council of Ministers. It praised the positive strides made by many establishments in achieving Emiratization objectives, attributing this success to the implementation of the "Nafis" program. This program aims to facilitate the integration of citizens into the private-sector workforce.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to vigilantly monitor compliance and enforce Emiratization regulations, emphasizing the importance of genuine efforts to meet nationalization goals and the repercussions for those found in breach of these obligations.
