United Arab Emirates: Reminder of Upcoming Deadline for Mainland Private Sector Employers to Increase Emiratization Rate
June 7, 2024
Mainland companies in the private sector 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, 2024, per the 2023 announcement by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE). Under this policy, by June 30, 2024, all eligible companies must have an Emiratization percentage of at least 5%. Companies which have a higher Emiratization rate must still increase their percentage by 1% on June 30, 2024. Employers who fail to comply with the prescribed Emiratization target will be subject to fees of AED 8,000 (approximately USD 2,178) per month for every vacancy that has not been filled by an Emirati worker in 2024; this number will increase by AED 1,000 per month each year after 2024. Affected companies must ensure that they correct their Emiratization rate in line with the requirements to avoid incurring monthly fees and possible portal blocks which can interrupt the recruitment of employees. The increase in Emiratization rates dates back to a 2022 announcement by the MOHRE which required private sector employers in the mainland with more than 50 employees to increase the percentage of Emirati employees, which was followed by a 2023 announcement which implemented even stricter Emiratization requirements. Companies are encouraged to register with the UAE government partnership program, “Nafis”, where they can find initiatives that support companies seeking to hire UAE nationals.
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
Media mentions
Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh and Associate Anna I. Perina explore how changing immigration enforcement is affecting workforce planning and compliance for US employers.
Blog post
Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung provide guidance for businesses on the legal and procedural requirements for amending their AoA in Saudi Arabia.
Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger discusses how US employers can navigate ongoing green card delays and shifting visa bulletin trends to better support foreign talent and workforce planning.
Media mentions
Awards
WirtschaftsWoche names Fragomen to its "Best Law Firms 2025" list and Partner Axel Boysen to its "Best Lawyers 2025" list in the field of migration law for private individuals.
Awards
Fragomen is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Legal Guide 2025.
Media mentions
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.
Video
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.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh and Associate Anna I. Perina explore how changing immigration enforcement is affecting workforce planning and compliance for US employers.
Blog post
Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung provide guidance for businesses on the legal and procedural requirements for amending their AoA in Saudi Arabia.
Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger discusses how US employers can navigate ongoing green card delays and shifting visa bulletin trends to better support foreign talent and workforce planning.
Media mentions
Awards
WirtschaftsWoche names Fragomen to its "Best Law Firms 2025" list and Partner Axel Boysen to its "Best Lawyers 2025" list in the field of migration law for private individuals.
Awards
Fragomen is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Legal Guide 2025.
Media mentions
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.
Video
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.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.