As the Emiratisation deadline approaches, Emirati job-seekers are encountering a unique problem: private sector companies are urging them to sign job contracts hastily to avoid fines. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has set June 30 as the deadline for companies to meet their nationalisation targets, resulting in a last-minute hiring frenzy.
Job-seekers report being inundated with calls from companies, often offering positions that do not match their skills or experience. Those failing to meet the target face fines ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000.
Amal Mohammed, a job-seeker from Dubai, shared her experience: “They sent me the contract quickly without informing me, and then called me the next day, asking me to sign it as soon as possible and to undergo the medical examination and everything. I didn’t even have enough time to read what was in the contract.” Mohammed found inaccuracies in the contract, including incorrect contact information and educational qualifications.
Another job-seeker, Afnan Khalid, accepted a full-time position expecting regular hours, only to be asked to work shifts. Shamma Khalfan signed for a part-time job, but was later asked to work full-time, which conflicted with her schedule.
Pedro Lacerda, senior vice president at TASC Outsourcing, emphasized the need for proper planning: “Emiratis should be treated like other candidates, with roles matching their skillsets and experience. Proper planning is crucial; companies should have a year-round strategy to hire the right number of Emirati candidates rather than rushing at the last minute to meet quotas.”
The MoHRE has warned against “fake” Emiratisation, where companies hire Emiratis in nominal roles to avoid fines. The ministry has identified 1,379 companies attempting to unlawfully hire 2,170 UAE citizens from mid-2022 to May 2023, imposing fines and downgrading their ratings.
Private companies must increase their Emirati workforce by two per cent annually to reach at least 10 per cent by 2026. Currently, companies need to have five per cent Emiratis by the end of June 2024, with a fine of Dh8,000 per month for each Emirati not hired.
Lacerda called for a robust talent acquisition strategy, stating, “In my experience, having met over 400 Emiratis through daily and weekly interactions, I found that over 80 per cent are well-qualified for various positions. While there may be a mismatch with the remaining 20 per cent, this is typical in any market, whether hiring locals or expatriates.”
He highlighted the importance of a strong talent acquisition team to match the right candidates to the right roles, ensuring a successful and sustainable Emiratisation strategy.