Emiratisation calculator: Nafis targets, deadlines and fines

Emiratisation is the UAE policy that requires private companies to employ UAE nationals. MOHRE sets the targets and the Nafis programme supports Emiratis working in the private sector.

Private companies with 50 or more employees must raise the share of Emiratis in their skilled jobs by 2% a year. Companies with 20 to 49 employees in 14 named sectors that MOHRE has notified had to hire one Emirati in 2024 and a second in 2025.

Companies with 50 or more employees had to add 1% by 30 June 2026 and must add another 1% by the end of December 2026, reaching 10% of skilled jobs. MOHRE has not published targets beyond 2026, though the Nafis programme now runs to 2040.

MOHRE charges AED 10,000 a month (AED 120,000 a year) for each position not filled by an Emirati, applied from 1 July 2026. The rate was AED 6,000 a month for 2022 targets and has risen by AED 1,000 each year. Contributions are assessed every six months.

A skilled worker holds a job at MOHRE professional levels 1 to 5, has an attested qualification above secondary school, and earns at least AED 4,000 a month excluding commission.

From 1 July 2026 an Emirati must earn at least AED 6,000 a month to count. Salaries must go through WPS and the employee must be registered for pension. MOHRE treats fake Emiratisation as a serious violation, with fines from AED 20,000 to AED 100,000.

Information and communications; finance and insurance; real estate; professional and technical activities; administrative and support services; education; healthcare and social work; arts and entertainment; mining and quarrying; transformative industries; construction; wholesale and retail; transportation and warehousing; and accommodation and hospitality.

Nafis pays Emirati salary support of AED 3,000 to AED 6,000 a month depending on qualification (for salaries of AED 6,000 to 20,000), a children's allowance of AED 600 a month per child, the employee's pension contribution for eligible salaries, and on-the-job training support. Check nafis.gov.ae for current conditions.

Companies with strong results can join the Emiratisation Partners Club, which gives discounts of up to 80% on MOHRE service fees and priority in government procurement.

No. Layla shortlists candidates on skills and experience and never searches or filters by nationality. To reach Emirati jobseekers, use the Nafis platform, and post your role on JobXDubai to reach everyone else who fits.