Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The Abu Dhabi Misdemeanor Court has fined a company Dh10 million for fraudulently recruiting 113 Emirati citizens, authorities announced on Monday (July 29). Investigation revealed that the private company issued work permits without real jobs for the Emiratis to circumvent the UAE’s Emiratisation requirement and avoid fines. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) monitored the company and referred it to the Abu Dhabi Public Prosecution for legal action. Under the law, private sector companies with 50 or more workers must hire Emiratis to make up 1 percent of their skilled workforce every six months per year. According to MOHRE, violators will be fined starting July 1, with penalties including a fine of between Dh20,000 and Dh100,000, the downgrading of ratings, and in extreme instances, a court case. The Ministry said that the public can report violators via the hotline 600590000. Private companies with a minimum of 20 employees are also required to hire at least one Emirati staff or be fined Dh96,000 starting this year. According to MOHRE, the fine will be Dh96,000 for each violation, which will increase to Dh108,000 in case the Emiratisation target is still not met in 2025. ICA/Expat Media
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