The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has revealed that 405 cases of fake Emiratisation were uncovered in the private sector during the first half of 2025. This issue, where companies nominally hire UAE nationals to falsely meet Emiratisation targets, has resulted in legal action against those involved.
According to MoHRE, these “fake” employment schemes undermine the purpose of Emiratisation, which aims to increase the number of UAE nationals in skilled jobs within the private sector. The Ministry has made it clear that these schemes, which misrepresent the employment status of UAE citizens to circumvent regulations and gain government incentives, will not be tolerated.
MoHRE uses rigorous field inspections and advanced digital monitoring to detect such violations. Despite these cases, the Ministry emphasized that fake Emiratisation is a rare phenomenon and not a widespread issue. They assured that most companies are compliant and continue to make strides toward meeting Emiratisation goals.
To ensure the long-term success of Emiratisation, the Ministry rewards compliant companies with various incentives, including significant reductions in transaction fees, priority access to government contracts, and wage support for Emiratis through the Nafis programme.
MoHRE has called on citizens and residents to report any suspected fake Emiratisation practices. Reports can be submitted via the Ministry’s call centre, the Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre, or its official app and website.
This firm stance reflects MoHRE’s commitment to creating a labour market that fully integrates Emirati talent, ensuring a sustainable workforce that contributes to the UAE’s economic growth.
