Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has outlined six ways in which a company might commit fraud in the name of Emiratisation. Since July 1, Emiratisation has become mandatory for private sector companies, with the government requiring private sector companies with a minimum of 50 employees to hire at least two Emiratis as part of their skilled workforce per year. The law was also updated to require companies with a minimum of 20 employees to hire at least one Emirati employee per year. The law is aimed at helping empower national human capital, according to MOHRE, however, some companies have been caught faking Emirati employment in order to avoid fines and penalties for failing to meet the Emiratisation target. The ministry outlined six ways in which a company might commit fraud in the name of Emiratisation: 1. Making false or fictitious claims about Emiratisation 2. Providing false information to gain benefits under the Nafis programme 3. When the Emirati employee does not officially join a company after receiving a work permit and other benefits under Nafis. 4. When the Emirati employee fails to work consistently with the company after officially joining. 5. When the Emirati employee leaves the company without a valid reason, and the company fails to inform Nafis of the departure. 6. When the company does not report any changes in the benefits for the UAE citizen without a valid reason accepted by the Nafis programme. Meanwhile, MOHRE also urged employers to avoid two types of wage-related fraud: paying UAE nationals less than their counterparts performing the same duties or reducing a citizen's wage under the pretext of benefiting from Nafis. The ministry also bans companies from posting fake job advertisements, or advertisements for unskilled jobs. Under the rule, job advertisements must not reference government Emiratisation policies or benefits without prior permission from the ministry, nor should they include advantages related to government support and incentives for citizens in the private sector.

UAE rule on hiring Emiratis

Under MOHRE rules on hiring Emiratis, hiring companies must enable employees to perform their duties, provide an appropriate workplace and tools, and offer necessary training. Delays in obtaining a citizen’s work permit from MOHRE should be avoided. According to the ministry, establishments wishing to employ citizens have several obligations. They must conclude an employment contract in accordance with current regulations, ensure payment of the agreed wage in line with the Wage Protection System, expedite the registration of the citizen in the pension and social insurance system and make monthly contributions in accordance with legislation within one month of issuing the work permit. Any changes in the work contract affecting benefits must be reported, and the citizen’s work permit must be cancelled immediately upon termination of the contractual relationship. The ministry emphasised the importance of citizens working in the private sector reporting any practices that breach Emiratisation laws or the objectives of the Nafis Programme. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page