565 UAE Firms Face Fines, Legal Action for Fake Emiratisation
824 UAE nationals have been recruited by about 565 firms since mid-last year for bogus Emiratization positions. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) made this information public after making a key discovery.
Fake Emiratisation Jobs Uncovered
The MoHRE announced that it has taken the required legal and administrative actions against these entities to rectify the situation.
Violation of Emiratisation Decisions
The MoHRE emphasized that these instances of "fake Emiratisation" constitute a direct violation of Emiratisation-related decisions and the regulations set forth by the Nafis program. In response to this breach, the ministry has initiated legal procedures against these violators, including penalties such as downgrading their classification within MoHRE systems and imposing fines ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000. Depending on the severity of the violation, further actions might include referring the case to the Public Prosecution.
Halt of Nafis Payments and Policy Enforcement
The Ministry has taken rigorous steps to address this issue, including stopping Nafis payments to individuals proven to have been part of such fraudulent Emiratisation practices. This approach aligns with the UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 44 of 2023, which amends certain provisions of Cabinet Resolution No. 95 of 2022 concerning penalties and administrative fines related to initiatives and programs of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis). MoHRE reiterated its unwavering commitment to enforcing Emiratisation policies and safeguarding their objectives against any undermining efforts.
Defining Fake Emiratisation
Fake Emiratisation refers to the situation where UAE nationals are employed in nominal roles without actual responsibilities, solely to fulfill the establishment's Emiratisation quotas. It also encompasses scenarios where an Emirati employee is rehired within the same organization, manipulating data to gain advantages from Emiratisation-related benefits.
Penalties and Consequences
Companies involved in these deceptive practices face substantial penalties. Beyond financial fines, these violators are relegated to the lowest category within the classification system of private sector establishments registered with the MoHRE, incurring subsequent repercussions such as higher fees for ministry services.
Enhancing Emiratisation in the Private Sector
Despite these challenges, the private sector currently employs more than 81,000 people from more than 17,000 different nationalities, making the fact that more than 17,000 of these enterprises employ Emiratis an incredible accomplishment. The Ministry commended the commitment demonstrated by the majority of businesses in the private sector as well as the strong public-private cooperation that supports the country's objectives for economic progress.
Reporting Violations
MoHRE encourages community members to play an active role in ensuring compliance by reporting any violations. This can be done through the ministry's call center at 600590000 or by utilizing their smart app and website, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in upholding the integrity of Emiratisation initiatives.
