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 7,000 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 1,000 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
Media mentions
Partners Michelle Jacobson and Sarah Peterson discuss recent SEVIS terminations and visa revocations and explore what these developments may mean for international students and universities.
Media mentions
Senior Immigration Programme Manager Louise Collins, Senior Manager Sean Rhodes and Manager Andreia Ghimis explore the touring challenges UK orchestras face in Europe and discuss ways to ease mobility barriers.
Awards
Fragomen was recognized at the FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards for "Best Business Development: US Company Expanding in France."
Media mentions
Practice Leader Kathleen O'Donnell, Manager Kirsty Moore and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline how the latest UK immigration white paper could affect engineering recruitment for employers in the North of England.
Video
#FragomenFC co-hosts Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Manager Sergio Flores and Associate Jake Paul Minster are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup—and an avid football fan—and Ismaïl Aissati—former professional footballer.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses the UK's recent drop in net migration and emphasises the need for a considered yet swift response to address the economic and social impacts.
Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Christina Azntaridou discuss the UK government's immigration white paper's potential impact on construction hiring.
Media mentions
UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.
Awards
Negocios Now names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to its NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 list.
Video
Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer.
Media mentions
Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.
Video
Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.
Media mentions
Partners Michelle Jacobson and Sarah Peterson discuss recent SEVIS terminations and visa revocations and explore what these developments may mean for international students and universities.
Media mentions
Senior Immigration Programme Manager Louise Collins, Senior Manager Sean Rhodes and Manager Andreia Ghimis explore the touring challenges UK orchestras face in Europe and discuss ways to ease mobility barriers.
Awards
Fragomen was recognized at the FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards for "Best Business Development: US Company Expanding in France."
Media mentions
Practice Leader Kathleen O'Donnell, Manager Kirsty Moore and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline how the latest UK immigration white paper could affect engineering recruitment for employers in the North of England.
Video
#FragomenFC co-hosts Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Manager Sergio Flores and Associate Jake Paul Minster are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup—and an avid football fan—and Ismaïl Aissati—former professional footballer.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses the UK's recent drop in net migration and emphasises the need for a considered yet swift response to address the economic and social impacts.
Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Christina Azntaridou discuss the UK government's immigration white paper's potential impact on construction hiring.
Media mentions
UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.
Awards
Negocios Now names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to its NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 list.
Video
Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer.
Media mentions
Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.
Video
Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.