Emiratisation targets deadline tomorrow; non-compliant firms face Dh120,000 annual penalties per role

Private sector companies in the UAE with 50 or more employees have until Tuesday, June 30, to meet their Emiratisation targets for the first half of 2026, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Companies that fail to comply will face financial contributions from July 1 of Dh10,000 per month, equivalent to Dh120,000 a year, for every Emirati not hired under the required target. The ministry warned that any attempt to manipulate the system or use "fake Emiratisation" would be dealt with firmly under existing laws and regulations. Targeted companies are required to achieve annual growth of 2 per cent in skilled jobs, split into 1 per cent for the first half of the year and 1 per cent for the second half. Financial contributions for non-compliant companies have risen since the policy was introduced in 2022, when the penalty stood at Dh6,000 per month. The ministry urged companies to use the Nafis platform, which connects employers with Emirati jobseekers. Companies that achieve exceptional Emiratisation results can qualify for membership of the Emiratisation Partners Club, giving them access to discounts of up to 80 per cent on ministry service fees.