United Arab Emirates: Guidance Issued to Prevent False Emiratization

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) has issued further guidance on Emiratization in the private sector to prevent false Emiratization situations. Specifically, the guidance forbids employers from: posting fake job opportunities; positing job opportunities at an unskilled professional level; advertising job opportunities with government incentives without prior approval from the MOHRE; paying an Emirati national a lower salary than their coworker performing a similar job; and reducing the salary of an Emirati national to obtain government support. Employers must also ensure that each Emirati employee: holds a valid work permit and employment contract; is registered with the General Pensions and Social Security Authority; is paid through the Wages Protection System; and has their work permit canceled immediately upon termination of the employment contract. The employer must also immediately report an employment contract amendment for an Emirati national when such changes affect the eligibility requirements for the “Nafis” program. Employers who violate the above rules will face fees and administrative penalties.