UAE tightens oversight of Emiratis in the private sector

The UAE’s minister of human resources and Emiratisation has issued new regulation tightening oversight of Emirati employees in the private sector.

The decision sets out “procedures and steps” for the employment of citizens in the private sector and obliges enterprises to register them in pension funds within six months of the contract of employment.

Among the changes are the addition of a follow-up mechanism to keep track of Emirati employees after they have joined a company and handle any complaints they may have.

New terms and conditions have also been defined for the termination of Emirati employees and mechanisms for dealing with cases of unlawful dismissal.

“The decision also obliged the employer to submit the ‘end-of-service interview’ report between him and the citizen to determine the reasons for terminating or ending the employment relationship,” the ministry said on Twitter.

Earlier this month, the ministry said it would in some cases revoke the work permits of foreign nationals if there was an appropriate Emirati replacement.

Read: UAE says will revoke expat work permits if there is an Emirati replacement

The announcement comes as part of a wider drive to boost Emirati employment in the private sector.

In February, the ministry said it would ask around 2,000 private sector firms to prioritise Emiratis ahead of foreigners for vacancies.

The National reported at the time that the government organisation had selected 400 job titles and positions that it wanted Emiratis to have the opportunity to fill before an expat is hired.

Read: UAE asks 2,000 companies to prioritise Emirati hiring

Companies will not be forced to take UAE nationals on but must at least give them an interview that otherwise may not have been granted.

Should the company consider the candidate unsuitable they must explain to the ministry why.

The ministry said it wants to provide 15,000 job opportunities this year through the scheme compared to 6,862 roles secured for nationals in 2017.