United Arab Emirates: Stricter Calculation of Emiratization Target Implemented
February 9, 2023
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization announced that private sector companies with 50 or more employees must increase their Emiratization rate in skilled occupations by 1% every six months to reach a total of 2% growth by the end of each year. The UAE cabinet had already implemented the 2% annual Emiratization target in May 2022. The goal is for these companies to have at least 10% of their workforce comprised of Emirati citizens by 2026 and the new calculation is intended to encourage companies to hire and retain these Emirati citizens throughout the year. Companies that do not comply will be subject to a penalty of AED 7000 per month for each vacancy that has not been filled with an Emirati worker; the penalty will now be collected semi-annually, instead of annually. The monthly penalty will increase by AED 1000 each year. Penalties will begin being applied on July 1, 2023 for companies that do not comply by June 30, 2023 and will include penalty fees owed from the annual requirements implemented in 2022. Affected employers should correct their Emiratization rate and comply with the new requirement by the end of June 2023 to avoid monthly fines; they should also register with the UAE government partnership program, “Nafis”, and consider the initiatives in place to support companies seeking eligible Emirati citizen job candidates.
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
Blog post
This blog considers how employer sponsorship of long-term residence permits in Europe could be a means for retaining their talent.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of Switzerland's family reunion process for EU/EFTA nationals and third-country nationals.
Awards
Four Fragomen professionals are recognised in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia in the field of immigration law.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha quais indústrias estão recrutando talentos estrangeiros no Brasil.
Blog post
Partner Rahul Soni and Senior Associate Xiaodan (Susan) Song help international commercial enterprise investors make informed decisions by explaining the differences between EB-5 rural projects and high unemployment projects.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia discusses how those planning to attend the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Games in Paris can prepare for their trip from an immigration perspective.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of immigration programs and relief options by USCIS for Venezuelan nationals amidst the political and economic crisis in Venezuela.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés shares why Ireland needs a standardised visa system that’s faster and more consistent.
Blog post
This blog discusses Australia's Resident Return visa and its associated "compelling reasons" criteria.
Blog post
Senior Associate Sarah Melnick discusses the available immigration options for individuals not selected in this year's H-1B Cap Lottery.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha dados recentes sobre o aumento de vistos de trabalho para profissionais da produção de proteína halal.
Fragomen news
Silicon Valley Managing Partner Kristi Nevarez is recognized as an honoree in the Silicon Valley Business Journal's 2024 Latinx Business Leadership Awards.
Blog post
This blog considers how employer sponsorship of long-term residence permits in Europe could be a means for retaining their talent.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of Switzerland's family reunion process for EU/EFTA nationals and third-country nationals.
Awards
Four Fragomen professionals are recognised in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia in the field of immigration law.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha quais indústrias estão recrutando talentos estrangeiros no Brasil.
Blog post
Partner Rahul Soni and Senior Associate Xiaodan (Susan) Song help international commercial enterprise investors make informed decisions by explaining the differences between EB-5 rural projects and high unemployment projects.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia discusses how those planning to attend the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Games in Paris can prepare for their trip from an immigration perspective.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of immigration programs and relief options by USCIS for Venezuelan nationals amidst the political and economic crisis in Venezuela.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés shares why Ireland needs a standardised visa system that’s faster and more consistent.
Blog post
This blog discusses Australia's Resident Return visa and its associated "compelling reasons" criteria.
Blog post
Senior Associate Sarah Melnick discusses the available immigration options for individuals not selected in this year's H-1B Cap Lottery.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha dados recentes sobre o aumento de vistos de trabalho para profissionais da produção de proteína halal.
Fragomen news
Silicon Valley Managing Partner Kristi Nevarez is recognized as an honoree in the Silicon Valley Business Journal's 2024 Latinx Business Leadership Awards.