Emiratisation: Firms faking jobs will face prosecution

Dubai Courts has declared that “sham employment” — the practice of hiring Emiratis on paper only to meet quotas — is among the most serious violations linked to the Nafis programme, classifying it as a crime.

- DUBAI Gulf News Report

It stressed that such cases will be treated as fraud or embezzlement and subject to criminal prosecution.

Nafis, the flagship federal programme launched in 2021, offers financial incentives and benefits to companies that employ Emiratis.

Tougher stance

The tougher stance is codified in Federal Decree Law No 9 of 2024 on labour relations and Cabinet Resolution No. 43 of 2025, which outline a series of violations and sanctions tied to Nafis.