The 6 UAE laws, decisions and regulations on emiratisation in the Polaris Legal Library, each summarised from the official text with status, key provisions and penalties.
Cabinet Resolution No. 43 of 2025 Regarding Administrative Violations and Penalties Related to the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council's Initiatives and Programs
Current penalty regime for Emiratisation abuse: sham Emiratisation and false data carry fines of AED 20,000 to 100,000 per worker or case; circumventing targets costs AED 100,000, 300,000 and 500,000 for first, second and third offences; failure to hire after supported training triggers recovery of Nafis support. Replaces Cabinet Resolution No. 95 of 2022.
Federal Decree-Law No. 57 of 2023 Concerning Pension and Social Security
The GPSSA pension law for UAE nationals joining a covered employer after it took effect; those already insured under Federal Law No. 7 of 1999 stay under that law. Contributions total 26% of subscription salary (15% employer, 11% employee), the government bearing 2.5% of the private employer's share below AED 20,000. Employers register national hires within 30 days.
Ministerial Resolution No. 455 of 2023 Concerning the Process for Implementing the Emiratisation Targets for Private Sector Establishments that Employ between 20 and 49 Employees in Selected Economic Activities
Extends Emiratisation to establishments with 20 to 49 employees in 14 selected economic activities: at least one Emirati must be employed in 2024 and a second in 2025. Missing the target costs AED 96,000 for 2024 and AED 108,000 for 2025, payable in instalments, with penalties for sham Emiratisation and a right of appeal to the Ministry's grievance committee.
Cabinet Resolution No. 18 of 2022 Concerning the Classification of Private Sector Establishments Subject to the Provisions of the Law Regulating Labour Relations
Sorts MoHRE-registered establishments into three categories that drive work-permit fees and incentives. Category 1 requires full compliance with labour, permit, contract and wage-protection rules plus a merit criterion such as Emiratisation at three times the target; Category 3 is reserved for establishments that breach the law or ignore workforce-diversity policy.
Cabinet Resolution No. 95 of 2022 Concerning the Violations and Administrative Penalties Related to the Initiatives and Programmes of Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council
The first schedule of administrative fines for Emiratisation fraud under the Nafis programme: fictitious hiring, falsified documents, invalid paperwork and breaches of labour obligations, with powers to suspend support, recover funds paid and bar beneficiaries for a year. Amended by Cabinet Resolution No. 44 of 2023 and repealed by Cabinet Resolution No. 43 of 2025.
Ministerial Resolution No. 279 of 2022 Monitoring Mechanisms of Emiratisation Rates in the Private Sector and Contributions Imposed on Non-Compliant Establishments
Requires MoHRE-registered establishments with 50 or more workers to raise the Emirati share of skilled jobs by 2 percentage points a year, reaching 10% by 2026. Non-compliant establishments pay AED 6,000 per month for each Emirati not hired from January 2023, rising by AED 1,000 each year, and face work-permit suspension and downgrade to Category 3 after two years.
Whether you are establishing a new venture, restructuring an existing enterprise, or exploring residency pathways — we are here to advise.
Arrange a Consultation →