United Arab Emirates: Reminder of 2025 Deadline for Mainland Private Sector Employers to Increase Emiratization Rate
May 21, 2025

Private sector mainland companies in the United Arab Emirates with 50 or more employees are reminded that they must increase their current Emiratization rate by an additional 1% by June 30, 2025. Under this policy, by June 30, 2025, all eligible companies must have an Emiratization percentage of at least 7%. Companies which have a higher Emiratization rate must still increase their percentage by 1% on June 30, 2025.
A fine of AED 9,000 per month will apply for each position filled by a foreign national when it should be filled by an Emirati per the Emiratization rules. In 2026, this fine will increase by AED 1,000. Businesses may also be blocked from using government portals, affecting the recruitment of employees.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen

Fragomen news
Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Blog post
Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Video
Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Blog post
Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Video
O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Media mentions
Fragomen is featured in The Times as a key immigration adviser highlighting Abu Dhabi’s rising demand for golden visas, especially among UK nationals seeking long-term, self-sponsored residency.

Video
Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s visitor visa rules and what travelers should know.

Fragomen news
Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Blog post
Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Video
Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Blog post
Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Video
O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Media mentions
Fragomen is featured in The Times as a key immigration adviser highlighting Abu Dhabi’s rising demand for golden visas, especially among UK nationals seeking long-term, self-sponsored residency.

Video
Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s visitor visa rules and what travelers should know.