In recent years, the United Arab Emirates has continued its efforts to include Emirati citizens in the private sector. The UAE is one of the most prosperous countries in the region and its economy has grown tremendously over the years. As the country strives to ensure economic growth, the private sector has become increasingly important. In order to increase the number of Emiratis working in the UAE’s private sector, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) has announced the opening of the first round of online registration for the NAFIS program initiatives.
About the ICV NAFIS Program
NAFIS is a federal program that was launched in September 2021 by the ETCC, under the leadership of its chairman, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Vice Chairman, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The NAFIS program initiatives aims to accelerate the participation of Emiratis in the UAE’s private sector workforce. The program will increase the competitiveness of the Emirati workforce and lays the foundations for Emiratis to fill 75,000 private sector roles within the next five years, covering approximately 15,000 jobs per year.
The council said that Emiratis can apply and explore opportunities and benefits provided by the program through the NAFIS website which will be served as a partnership hub connecting Emirati professionals and companies operating in the UAE. The NAFIS website, www.nafis.gov.ae, which was launched to act as a partnership hub connecting Emirati professionals and businesses operating in the UAE, now allows Emiratis to apply and explore the opportunities and benefits provided by the program, according to the Council.
The UAE will spend AED24 billion ($6.5 billion) on a package of benefits and subsidies designed to reduce citizen unemployment by making private sector-jobs more attractive.
The five-year program takes a holistic approach to facilitating the private sector employment of Emirati citizens through the phased implementation of 11 initiatives that cover the recruitment journey. Alongside Nafis, the UAE Government has announced a general target of 10% Emiratisation in the private sector by 2025 in skilled and knowledge-based roles (with the current requirement being 2% for commercial organisations).
Benefits to the companies joining the NAFIS Program
A number of incentives are provided by the NAFIS programme which can help in reducing the financial burden of hiring new employees and aid in the selection of qualified candidates. These include:
- A government-paid subsidy of five -years towards the cost of pension plans for Emirati employees and full support for the Emirati contribution for the first five years of employment.
- A child allowance scheme in which Emirati employees receive a monthly grant of up to AED 800 per child, up to a maximum of AED 3,200 per month.
- An apprentice programme and a salary support scheme are available.
- Educating Emirati nationals to meet the skill requirements of the private sector.
How to become a member of NAFIS in the UAE?
To register your company with NAFIS, you must follow the steps outlined on their website www.nafis.gov.ae, which include
- Registering with the UAE Pass
- Examine commercial data
- Check the information. This will be accomplished through an automatic eligibility check on the site.
- Apply for positions in areas of interest
- Post job openings and training opportunities
Is it mandatory to register for the NAFIS system?
As registration is mandatory in the NAFIS system, companies are strongly encouraged to participate in the NAFIS system. Our experts at AMA, can help clients with NAFIS registration. All we require is a proof of authorisation on company letterhead, signed and stamped, confirming the person logging in is authorised.
It is important to understand the NAFIS registration process and its requirements in order to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations. We can provide valuable guidance and assistance in understanding the NAFIS registration process.
Latest Updates
Recently, at the Make it in the Emirates Forum, The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) in collaboration with the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (MAFIS – Initiative) and the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization has announced 500 industrial job opportunities for UAE nationals. The aim is to equip local talent with necessary skills and knowledge which would enable them to thrive in technical and specialized positions within the industrial sector https://moiat.gov.ae/en/media-center/news/2023/06/06/miite-forum—press-briefing?search=NAFIS .
