Important Updates
Important Updates
July 25, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Digital Arrival Card System Replaces Electronic Travel Authorization System
July 25, 2025 | BulgariaBulgaria: Mandatory New Health Insurance Requirement for Single Work and Residence Permit Holders
July 25, 2025 | PolandPoland: New Rule Requires Submission of Employment Contracts Online
July 25, 2025 | Slovak RepublicSlovakia: Mandatory Online Submission for Some Processes
July 25, 2025 | SpainSpain: Certain Work Permits Can Now Be Issued for Less Than 90 Days
July 25, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Digital Arrival Card System Replaces Electronic Travel Authorization System
July 25, 2025 | BulgariaBulgaria: Mandatory New Health Insurance Requirement for Single Work and Residence Permit Holders
July 25, 2025 | PolandPoland: New Rule Requires Submission of Employment Contracts Online
July 25, 2025 | Slovak RepublicSlovakia: Mandatory Online Submission for Some Processes
July 25, 2025 | SpainSpain: Certain Work Permits Can Now Be Issued for Less Than 90 Days
July 25, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Digital Arrival Card System Replaces Electronic Travel Authorization System
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Emiratisation Compliance Part 2: Understanding the Calculation

January 11, 2023

Dubai UAE

Country / Territory

  • United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates

Related contacts

Photo of Shoaib Khaleeli

Shoaib Khaleeli

Senior Manager

Dubai (DIFC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:+971 4 818 1793

Related insights

  • Emiratisation Compliance Part 1: Understanding the New Requirements

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIC)
  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Shoaib Khaleeli

Shoaib Khaleeli

Senior Manager

Dubai (DIFC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:+971 4 818 1793

Related insights

  • Emiratisation Compliance Part 1: Understanding the New Requirements

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIC)
  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Shoaib Khaleeli

Shoaib Khaleeli

Senior Manager

Dubai (DIFC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:+971 4 818 1793

Related insights

  • Emiratisation Compliance Part 1: Understanding the New Requirements

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIC)
  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Shoaib Khaleeli

In part two of this blog series on Emiratisation, Immigration Manager Shoaib Khaleeli follows his recent summary of the UAE's new regulations with an outline of the specifics of the Emiratisation calculation and how employers can use it to ensure compliance.

Understanding Skilled Employees

Emiratisation Rate    =         

Total Number of Skilled Nationals in the Establishment
Total Number of Skilled Employees 

In addition to understanding Emiratisation requirements, it is also important to learn about the calculation used, as each element has an impact on the overall score. In order to understand the denominator of the formula above, having a clear definition of what the MOHRE considers a “skilled worker” is necessary.

The MOHRE classifies employment into nine professional levels according to the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO), issued by the International Labour Organization.  For simplicity, the MOHRE job title framework is separated into two sections: 

Furthermore, a worker is classified as skilled employee if they fulfill the following conditions:

  • The worker must be at a professional level (one amongst first to fifth level mentioned above);
  • The worker has obtained a certificate higher than the secondary certificate or an equivalent certificate;
  • The certificate must be attested by the competent authorities; and
  • The monthly salary (excluding commission) of the worker must not be less than AED 4,000.

Which UAE Nationals are included in your Emiratisation Rate? 

Examining the numerator in the equation, “Total Number of Skilled Emirati Nationals in the Establishment,” is also important.

For the UAE nationals associated with the entity to count towards the Emiratisation rate, companies need to ensure that the UAE nationals are registered as skilled workers as defined above, and also follow the below criteria:

  • The UAE nationals must possess a valid work permit under that company;
  • The UAE nationals' wages shall be paid through the Wages Protection System or any other approved wage system;
  • The UAE nationals must be registered in the approved pension funds in the country; and
  • There should be a contractual relationship between the UAE nationals and the company, adhering to Labour Law, executive regulations and cabinet decisions.

The above requirements of the law, when translated into practise, would mean that the UAE nationals would have to complete all the onboarding steps, including pension registration, to be counted in a company’s Emiratisation ratio.

This could mean a potential time gap of weeks or months associated with the effective hiring of UAE nationals, from the time of hire to when they are effectively reflected on the authorities’ systems. As the timelines and processes can vary from case to case, ensuring the efficient and proactive management of the entire process is paramount.

Need to know more?

Please look out for part three of this blog series next week, which will delve deeper into the impacts of Emiratisation-related non-compliance.

For further information and advice on this topic, please contact Immigration Manager Shoaib Khaleeli at [email protected]. This blog was published on 11 January 2023, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes.

To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please visit our dedicated COVID-19 site, subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

Country / Territory

  • United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates

Related contacts

Photo of Shoaib Khaleeli

Shoaib Khaleeli

Senior Manager

Dubai (DIFC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:+971 4 818 1793

Related insights

  • Emiratisation Compliance Part 1: Understanding the New Requirements

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIC)
  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Shoaib Khaleeli

Shoaib Khaleeli

Senior Manager

Dubai (DIFC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:+971 4 818 1793

Related insights

  • Emiratisation Compliance Part 1: Understanding the New Requirements

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIC)
  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Shoaib Khaleeli

Shoaib Khaleeli

Senior Manager

Dubai (DIFC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:+971 4 818 1793

Related insights

  • Emiratisation Compliance Part 1: Understanding the New Requirements

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIC)
  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Toronto Star: Ford and Other Premiers Want Provincial Work Permits for Refugee Claimants. It May Not Solve Anything

Partner Rick Lamanna discusses the potential option of decentralizing work permit issuance in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear coordination between the provincial and federal governments.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Video

Transfer Tactics & Talent Pipelines – The UK Angle with Alex Hood ⚽ | #FragomenFC - Ep. 10

Fragomen FC hosts are joined by Manager Alexander Hood to examine how immigration rules are reshaping global football, from EPL transfers to the rise of international transfers into the Women’s Super League.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: More Declines Loom in “Seriously Concerning” US Visa Trends

Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Reforms: What’s Next for Construction Employers?

Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Grand Designs Magazine: How to Buy Your Dream Home Overseas

Director Isobel Neilson discusses how changes to golden visa programmes are affecting UK buyers pursuing overseas property investment.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechInformed: Global Talent, Local Growth: Immigration’s Role in the Tech Economy

Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Associates Aisha Shahid and Yinny Tan outline how UK immigration changes affect tech talent access and business alignment.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Hoping to Visit the U.S.? It Might Cost You an Extra $250.

Partner Parisa Karaahmet is quoted on a new country-specific, $250 "visa integrity fee" introduced by the current US administration as part of a domestic policy bill.

Learn more

Media mentions

New Civil Engineer: The immigration white paper and the government’s Industrial Strategy – how do they compare?

Paralegal Sean Pearce discusses the UK government's immigration White Paper in the context of its Industrial Strategy, noting the importance of overseas talent in meeting infrastructure and housing goals.

Learn more

Video

Update on U.S. Tariffs | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Partner Christian Dallman shares an update on US tariffs as the August 1 deadline for trade negotiations approaches.

Learn more

Media mentions

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape

Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Learn more

Podcast

Visa Policy Changes in Nigeria

Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Media mentions

Toronto Star: Ford and Other Premiers Want Provincial Work Permits for Refugee Claimants. It May Not Solve Anything

Partner Rick Lamanna discusses the potential option of decentralizing work permit issuance in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear coordination between the provincial and federal governments.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Video

Transfer Tactics & Talent Pipelines – The UK Angle with Alex Hood ⚽ | #FragomenFC - Ep. 10

Fragomen FC hosts are joined by Manager Alexander Hood to examine how immigration rules are reshaping global football, from EPL transfers to the rise of international transfers into the Women’s Super League.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: More Declines Loom in “Seriously Concerning” US Visa Trends

Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Reforms: What’s Next for Construction Employers?

Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Grand Designs Magazine: How to Buy Your Dream Home Overseas

Director Isobel Neilson discusses how changes to golden visa programmes are affecting UK buyers pursuing overseas property investment.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechInformed: Global Talent, Local Growth: Immigration’s Role in the Tech Economy

Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Associates Aisha Shahid and Yinny Tan outline how UK immigration changes affect tech talent access and business alignment.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Hoping to Visit the U.S.? It Might Cost You an Extra $250.

Partner Parisa Karaahmet is quoted on a new country-specific, $250 "visa integrity fee" introduced by the current US administration as part of a domestic policy bill.

Learn more

Media mentions

New Civil Engineer: The immigration white paper and the government’s Industrial Strategy – how do they compare?

Paralegal Sean Pearce discusses the UK government's immigration White Paper in the context of its Industrial Strategy, noting the importance of overseas talent in meeting infrastructure and housing goals.

Learn more

Video

Update on U.S. Tariffs | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Partner Christian Dallman shares an update on US tariffs as the August 1 deadline for trade negotiations approaches.

Learn more

Media mentions

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape

Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Learn more

Podcast

Visa Policy Changes in Nigeria

Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.