Picture for illustrative purposes only. EXPAT MEDIA

The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has extended the deadline for private sector companies to hire UAE citizens to meet the Emiratisation target. According to MOHRE, the deadline has been extended from June 30 to July 7 to allow private sector companies with 50 employees or more to reach their target to employ more Emiratis this year. MOHRE said it took into consideration the Eid Al Adha holiday, which falls on the fourth week of June, “therefore, we decided to give more time for companies to reach their targets.” Companies that fail to meet the Emiratisation target will be fined Dh42,000 for each Emirati not employed starting July 8. The federal law aims to raise Emiratisation rates by 2 percent annually to reach 10 percent by the end of 2026. Under the amended law, the annual Emiratisation target of 2 percent is split: 1 percent in the first six months and the other 1 percent in the second half of the year. Private sector companies with 50 or more employees are required to hire Emiratis in 2 percent of skilled jobs before the yearend. “As the Ministry is committed to achieving its objectives of creating a competitive job market for UAE nationals and developing their skills through more collaboration with the private sector, we decided allowing more time for companies to comply with the decision and avoid relevant penalties,” MOHRE said in a statement. “We call on companies to take advantage of the extended deadline to reach their targets.” “Emirati professionals have proven their competence across a range of positions in the private sector that require a high level of efficiency and knowledge,” it added. “This provides an enormous boost to our efforts, in line with the government’s objectives and vision. We consider the private sector to be an active partner in achieving long-term growth, as our collaborative efforts will benefit the job market.” ICA/Expat Media
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