Emiratisation and Nafis
Emiratisation sets targets for the share of Emirati employees in private sector companies. Companies that fall short pay a monthly contribution for each unfilled position. Nafis is the programme that supports employing Emiratis in the private sector.
Who it applies to
Private sector establishments with 50 or more employees are required to raise Emiratisation rates by 2% annually for skilled jobs. u.ae, Emiratis employment in the private sector
Companies with 20 to 49 employees are also covered if they work in specified sectors. They were required to hire at least one UAE citizen by the end of 2024 and one more by the end of 2025. u.ae, Emiratis employment in the private sector
The target
The 2% is split into a 1% increase in the first half of the year and the remaining 1% in the second half. WAM, 22 June 2026
Companies with 50 or more employees are set to reach an overall 10% increase in skilled Emirati roles by 2026. u.ae, Emiratis employment in the private sector
What it costs
From 1 July 2026 the contribution is AED 10,000 per month (AED 120,000 per year) for each unfilled position. WAM, 22 June 2026
If it is missed
Fake Emiratisation and fraudulent practices aimed at obtaining Nafis benefits or circumventing Emiratisation targets are listed violations. u.ae, Emiratis employment in the private sector
MOHRE stated fines of AED 100,000 for a first violation, AED 300,000 for a second and AED 500,000 for a third and later violations of circumventing the targets. MOHRE news, 4 May 2023
About Nafis
The Nafis programme aims to employ 75,000 Emiratis in the private sector over five years. u.ae, Emiratis employment in the private sector
Questions about Emiratisation and Nafis
What is the Nafis programme?
The programme that supports employing Emiratis in the private sector. It aims to employ 75,000 Emiratis in the private sector over five years.
Which companies have an Emiratisation target?
Private sector establishments with 50 or more employees, and companies with 20 to 49 employees in specified sectors.
How fast does the target rise?
For companies with 50 or more employees, by 2% a year for skilled jobs, split into 1% in the first half of the year and 1% in the second half, for an overall increase of 10% by 2026.
What is the contribution for an unfilled position?
From 1 July 2026 it is AED 10,000 per month, or AED 120,000 per year, for each unfilled position.
What are the fines for fake Emiratisation?
MOHRE stated fines of AED 100,000 for a first violation, AED 300,000 for a second and AED 500,000 for a third and later violations of circumventing the targets.
A plain guide to the rules, not legal or tax advice. Checked 17 October 2026.
Get your organisation on NearSync
NearSync keeps each employee's details, including nationality, in one place alongside your hiring. See how it works.
Part of NearSync AI: HRMS and payroll software for UAE businesses.