The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has recorded 377 cases of fake Emiratisation at 266 private-sector companies in the first half of 2026. The ministry said on Tuesday, 22 September, that it is taking legal action against the firms and others involved.

Fake Emiratisation means a company registers a UAE citizen as an employee to meet national hiring targets, but does not give them real work. A contract and work permit may exist on paper. The job itself does not.

MoHRE said the cases were found through field inspections and its digital monitoring system. It also said the violations were limited and do not show a widespread pattern in the UAE labour market.

What the rules require

Emiratisation is meant to put Emirati professionals into real private-sector roles, not names on a spreadsheet. MoHRE said a genuine job needs actual duties, responsibilities and a path to develop skills.

Companies that break the rules face fines of between 20,000 and 100,000 dirhams per case, according to The National. Serious cases can be referred to prosecutors. Emiratis found in breach can lose Nafis benefits, and the ministry can recover money already paid.

Gulf News reported that action was taken under Cabinet Decision No. 43 of 2025, which sets administrative penalties linked to Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council programmes.

Quotas still apply

Private companies with 50 or more staff must reach 10% Emiratisation in skilled roles by the end of 2026, The National reported. That follows a 2% annual growth path, checked at mid-year and year-end.

From 12 July, non-compliant firms face monthly fines of Dh10,000 for each skilled post not filled by an Emirati. A minimum Emirati salary of Dh6,000 a month has applied since 1 January 2026.

Smaller firms with 20 to 49 workers had to hire at least one UAE citizen by the end of 2024 and another by the end of 2025. Both must stay on the books through 2026.

Why it matters

MoHRE warned that sham hiring can skew labour-market figures, waste incentives meant for real jobs, and shut out Emiratis who want proper work. It also hurts firms that invest in training citizens.

The ministry asked the public to report suspected cases via its website, smart app, or by calling 600590000.

Khaleej Times noted that in the first half of 2025 MoHRE recorded 405 similar cases. Last year one company was fined Dh10 million after appointing 113 citizens to fictitious roles.

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