UAE – Demographic Diversity Requirements | #MobilityMinute

The UAE is encouraging greater workforce diversity through demographic diversity requirements for companies operating under the mainland jurisdiction.

Under the requirements, companies should allocate 20% of their existing work permit quota to nationalities that are currently underrepresented within their workforce. The aim is to promote greater representation and provide opportunities to individuals from a broader range of nationalities and backgrounds.

Companies that do not maintain the required nationality balance may face restrictions on new work permit applications until the balance is achieved. They may also be moved to Category Three, the lowest company classification, which can result in longer processing times, higher government fees and less flexibility when hiring foreign talent.

To help maintain compliance, HR teams should regularly review workforce demographics and consider nationality balance when making hiring and employee assignment decisions. Coordination across HR, recruitment and mobility teams can help organizations incorporate these requirements into broader workforce planning.

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Devika Thamattat explains what employers should know about the UAE’s demographic diversity requirements and the potential implications for workforce planning.

Watch the video to learn more.