The federal NAFIS program, designed to enhance the competitiveness of Emirati professionals, clarified that the gradual reduction in monthly wage support for citizens working in the private sector following the establishment of a 20,000 AED eligibility ceiling does not represent a withdrawal of state commitment, but rather a structured policy evolution aimed at long-term financial and professional sustainability.

The program emphasized that NAFIS was never intended to function as a fixed social benefit, but rather as a transitional empowerment tool supporting citizens as they develop their careers in the private sector.

The program explained that when a beneficiary’s salary exceeds 20,000 AED per month, this is considered a positive indicator of career progression and successful utilization of the opportunities provided by NAFIS.

It also noted that the updated mechanism aligns with broader labor market reforms, including wage policy developments, to enhance job stability and improve private-sector employment outcomes. The support reduction is implemented gradually at a rate of 500 AED every six months, allowing beneficiaries sufficient time to adjust their financial planning.

NAFIS further stated in its FAQ responses that recent updates are not intended to reallocate support from one group to another, nor are they based on reducing benefits for existing categories in favor of newly added ones.

Rather, the changes are part of a comprehensive system upgrade designed to expand social and economic impact while maintaining program sustainability and improving employment opportunities for citizens across the private sector.

The program also stressed that NAFIS support should not be viewed as a permanent or fixed monthly income. It is a temporary enabling mechanism subject to regulatory frameworks and national priorities, and it may be updated accordingly.

Citizens are encouraged to rely primarily on their employment salaries as the foundation of monthly income, while NAFIS continues to offer training, development, and career advancement initiatives.

Finally, the program highlighted that broader labor reforms, including minimum wage considerations and retirement system registration requirements, reflect a strategic direction aimed at strengthening employment protection for citizens in the private sector while balancing empowerment with long-term workforce stability.