Emiratisation (Tawteen)

Emiratisation is the UAE policy programme requiring and incentivising private-sector companies to employ Emirati nationals. MOHRE sets annual Emiratisation targets for skilled roles in mainland companies above specified workforce sizes, with financial contributions imposed for each unmet position and escalating penalties for fake or 'ghost' Emiratisation — registering nationals who do not genuinely work. The Nafis programme supports the policy with salary support and training for Emiratis entering private employment. For employers, Emiratisation is now a core compliance workstream: targets affect company classification and government fees, inspections check that registered Emiratis hold real roles with WPS-paid salaries, and violations can freeze work-permit processing. Lawyers meet Emiratisation in regulatory penalty disputes, in M&A due diligence on workforce compliance, and in structuring genuine roles that satisfy targets without creating sham-employment exposure.