Dhs400 million fine issued in 2022 for failing to reach Emiratisation target

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council Board (ETCCB) reviewed some of the policies and decisions issued since the launch of NAFIS, the most important of which included the Cabinet’s decision to establish the Emiratisation targets and impose fines on establishments that are not committed to achieving the set targets, and transferring them to the NAFIS Fund.

In addition to the decision to establish the NAFIS Fund, the decision regarding violations and penalties applied by the Council, and the eligibility updates for the benefits provided by NAFIS and the increase in salary top-ups and child allowance.

The ETCC Board also reviewed the results of the set 2% Emiratisation target in the private sector by the end of 2022, and data showed that a total number of 8,897 companies have reached the 2% Emiratisation target or more, while the total contributions due in January 2023 from companies that have not achieved the required target in 2022 amounted to approximately Dhs400 million.

In addition, the meeting examined the mechanisms used by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to detect violations of Emiratisation policies, and the results of the monitoring and compliance system regarding the commitment to the set Emiratisation target in the private sector for the year 2022. With thorough investigations, data showed that the total number of false Emiratisation cases reached 227 cases, with an administrative fine also imposed on the violating establishments, (109 establishments), who have been downgraded to Category (3) according to the applicable criteria of classification approved by the Ministry, while 20 violating establishments were referred to the Public Prosecutor to face penal measures and stop the benefits of 130 nationals. Actions are being taken to recover the amounts.