Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

A total of 894 private companies in the UAE have been fined for committing fake Emiratisation in their workforce, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) on Wednesday (November 29). According to MOHRE, the companies faked the hiring of 1,267 Emiratis in jobs within their organization to try to circumvent the mandatory quota set by the government. The ministry said that legal measures have been taken against the violators, and that the financial incentives given to the fake employees have been suspended. The Emiratis involved in the fake jobs will also be required to return the money they received as incentives. Fines for violating companies range from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000, and referral to the Public Prosecution, based on the level of the violation, according to MOHRE. MOHRE urged the public to report any violations via the call centre 600590000. private companies. Since January this year, the UAE has made it mandatory for private sector companies with 50 or more employees to hire a minimum of 2 percent of Emiratis as part of their workforce per year or be fined Dh42,000 for each Emirati not hired. As an incentive, Emiratis who take up jobs in the private sector are given financial benefits under the NAFIS programme. However, Emiratis proven to be involved in fake Emiratisation jobs will be asked to return the funding that they illegally received. ICA/Expat Media
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