UAE Expands Emiratization Requirements to Smaller Businesses

Effective January 1, 2024, employers with at least 20 employees working in certain economic sectors would be mandated to meet the Emiratization requirements. Currently, the Emiratization requirements apply only to employers with 50 or more employees, regardless of the sector.
Affected employers must hire at least one Emirati national in 2024 and 2025.
From January 1, 2024, the relevant sectors are:
  • administrative and support services
  • arts and entertainment
  • construction
  • education
  • financial and insurance activities
  • healthcare and social work
  • hospitality and residency services
  • information and communication
  • mining and quarrying
  • professional and technical activities
  • real estate
  • transformative industries
  • transportation and warehousing
  • wholesale and retail
A company that does not meet the Emiratization requirements will be fined monthly.
Erickson Insights & Analysis

Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.