Private sector employers with 50 or more employees must meet rising Emiratisation targets — currently 2% of skilled workforce per year (incrementally). Non-compliant employers pay a monthly NAFIS contribution per unfilled Emirati position. The Emiratisation system is monitored in real time by MOHRE.
Who is subject to Emiratisation?
Emiratisation requirements apply to private sector employers with 50 or more employees on UAE mainland trade licences. Free zone companies are subject to their respective free zone authority’s Emiratisation rules (which vary — DIFC and ADGM have their own frameworks).
The requirement focuses on skilled and professional roles — defined as Skill Levels 1–3 in the ISCO classification (managers, professionals, technicians). Unskilled roles (labour, drivers, cleaners) do not count toward the Emiratisation quota numerator.
Employers with 20–49 employees must hire at least 1 Emirati employee per year. This is a flat number, not a percentage. It is a distinct and lower-threshold requirement from the 50+ percentage quota system. MOHRE monitors this separately.
Emiratisation targets and the annual increment
The Emiratisation target for companies with 50+ employees increases by 2 percentage points per year for skilled roles. The exact cumulative target for 2026 depends on when the employer entered the quota system. MOHRE communicates each employer’s specific target through the TASHEEL/TAMM portal.
Employers are assessed against the target in January and July each year. If they fall below the target at either assessment point, they are marked non-compliant and NAFIS contributions commence.
The percentage target varies by company size, sector, and when the company first became subject to quotas. Log in to MOHRE Tasheel (or the NAFIS portal for employers) to see your exact target headcount and current Emirati employee count. The displayed target is authoritative.
NAFIS — contributions for non-compliance
NAFIS (National Programme for Emiratisation in the Private Sector) collects monthly contributions from employers who fail to meet Emiratisation targets. The contribution is paid per unfilled Emirati position:
- AED 6,000 per month per unfilled position — the base contribution rate for 50–199 employee companies
- AED 8,000 per month for companies with 200–499 employees
- AED 10,000 per month for companies with 500+ employees
- Contributions are auto-debited from the employer’s Ministry of Finance account linked to their trade licence
NAFIS employer incentives for Emirati hiring
NAFIS also provides salary support subsidies to employers who hire Emirati nationals above their quota targets. The subsidy covers a portion of the Emirati employee’s salary for up to 5 years, incentivising over-performance on Emiratisation.
Additional NAFIS benefits for qualifying Emirati hires: social insurance contributions, mentorship support, and access to a talent pipeline from Emiratisation training programmes.
Need help tracking and meeting Emiratisation targets?
We monitor your Emiratisation headcount monthly, calculate NAFIS contributions, and advise on compliant hiring strategies. Fixed fee.
Frequently asked questions
What is Emiratisation in UAE?+
A government programme requiring private sector employers to hire a minimum percentage of UAE nationals in skilled roles. Employers with 50+ employees must increase their Emirati headcount by 2% of skilled roles per year. Non-compliant employers pay monthly NAFIS contributions.
How many employees trigger Emiratisation quotas?+
50 or more employees triggers the percentage-based quota system for skilled roles. Employers with 20–49 employees must hire at least 1 Emirati per year (flat number, not percentage).
What is the NAFIS contribution for non-compliance?+
AED 6,000 per month per unfilled Emirati position (companies with 50–199 employees), AED 8,000 (200–499 employees), or AED 10,000 (500+ employees). Contributions are auto-debited monthly until the headcount gap is closed.
Do free zone companies need to meet Emiratisation quotas?+
Free zone companies are subject to their free zone authority’s Emiratisation rules, not mainland MOHRE quotas directly. Requirements vary: DIFC and ADGM have separate frameworks; other free zones may require mainland MOHRE Emiratisation if the company also holds a mainland licence.
Does NAFIS provide benefits to employers who hire Emiratis?+
Yes. Employers who hire Emiratis above their quota receive salary support subsidies covering a portion of the Emirati employee’s salary for up to 5 years. Social insurance and mentorship support are also available.
How does MOHRE monitor Emiratisation compliance?+
MOHRE monitors real-time through WPS data (which records employee nationality) and the business registration system. Emiratisation headcounts are assessed every January and July. Non-compliant employers are flagged automatically and NAFIS contributions commence.