UAE Cracks Down on Fake Emiratisation with 377 Violations Detected in Private Sector

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced on Tuesday that the UAE uncovered 377 cases of fake Emiratisation across 266 private sector companies during the first half of 2026. Authorities are actively pursuing legal action against the violators, which were identified through comprehensive field inspections and an advanced digital monitoring system.

Fake Emiratisation involves formally registering a UAE citizen and issuing them a work permit to create the appearance of compliance without providing actual, genuine employment. These national policy targets are designed to increase the participation of Emirati professionals within the private sector.

Companies found violating these regulations face severe financial penalties ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000 ($5,455 to $27,229) per individual case. In addition to fines, non-compliant businesses must make financial contributions toward official targets and are demoted to the lowest ranking on the ministry's system, while severe violations are escalated to prosecutors. Meanwhile, Emirati citizens found to be involved will forfeit their Nafis benefits, with the ministry recovering any previously disbursed funds. Despite these violations, the ministry emphasized that such cases remain limited and do not pose a major issue for the wider UAE labour market, thanks to continuous monitoring in collaboration with the Nafis programme.

Private sector companies employing 50 or more workers are mandated to achieve a 10 per cent Emiratisation rate across skilled positions by the close of 2026. This adheres to a government framework requiring 2 per cent annual growth through mid-year and year-end evaluations, which mandated that companies increase their skilled Emirati representation by at least 1 per cent by June 30. Furthermore, starting July 12, non-compliant companies face monthly fines of Dh10,000 (Dh120,000 annually) for every unfilled targeted position. A minimum salary threshold of Dh6,000 per month for Emirati workers also took effect on January 1.

Smaller private sector businesses with workforces ranging from 20 to 49 employees were previously required to hire at least one UAE citizen by the end of 2024, add a second Emirati by the end of 2025, and maintain both positions throughout 2026. Incentives continue to be offered to businesses that excel in the employment and training of citizens in alignment with Nafis programme goals. The ministry warned that fake Emiratisation directly undermines the objective of building a sustainable and productive Emirati workforce to support the UAE economy, and urged the public to report suspected violations through its official website, smart app, or by calling 600590000.