The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has identified 377 fake Emiratisation cases across 266 private sector companies during the first half of 2026. The violations largely involve companies registering Emirati nationals in skilled positions without genuine employment, in an attempt to sidestep Emiratisation requirements.
Under current rules, private companies with 50 or more employees must reach 10 per cent Emiratisation in skilled roles by the end of 2026, with a required annual growth rate of 2 per cent. Since the start of 2026, Emirati employees must also be paid a minimum monthly salary of Dh6,000, while companies with 20 to 49 workers are required to retain any Emiratis they hire throughout the year.
Fines for confirmed fake Emiratisation cases range from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000 per violation, and since July 12 a monthly fine of Dh10,000 has applied for each unfilled skilled position that should have gone to an Emirati. More serious violations are referred to public prosecutors. The ministry said in a statement that "fake Emiratisation cases are limited and not a significant issue in the UAE labour market."
Members of the public can report suspected violations through the ministry's website, its smart app, or by calling 600590000.