The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has confirmed that June 30 marks the final deadline for private sector companies with 50 or more employees to meet Emiratisation targets for the first half of 2026, reinforcing the country’s strategic push to increase national workforce participation in the private sector.

The ministry explained that Emiratisation targets are part of a national policy designed to boost the presence of UAE nationals in skilled roles, requiring companies to achieve an annual growth rate of 2 percent, split evenly between the first and second halves of each year to ensure balanced workforce integration.

Companies were urged to leverage the Nafis platform, which offers access to a diverse pool of qualified Emirati job seekers across multiple disciplines, enabling businesses to meet staffing needs efficiently while supporting sustainable employment opportunities.

The ministry emphasized that Emiratisation policies are a cornerstone of the UAE’s economic strategy, highlighting their role in strengthening competitiveness, driving sustainable growth, and enabling meaningful participation of citizens in the labor market through strong collaboration with the private sector.

It also reaffirmed continued incentives for high-performing companies, including membership in the Emiratisation Partners Club, discounts of up to 80 percent on service fees, and priority access to government procurement opportunities, all of which enhance business growth potential.

Starting July 1, financial contributions will be imposed on non-compliant companies, set at AED 10,000 per month for each Emirati not hired, totaling AED 120,000 annually, as part of strict enforcement measures to ensure adherence to targets.

The ministry warned against fraudulent Emiratisation practices, stressing that advanced digital and field inspection systems are fully capable of detecting violations and enforcing penalties in line with applicable laws and regulations.

It concluded by encouraging community members to report violations through official communication channels, assuring full confidentiality and swift response mechanisms to support the integrity of the labor market.