NAFIS

What is NAFIS?

NAFIS is a UAE government-led national programme created to increase the employment and long-term retention of Emirati nationals in the private sector. It is a core pillar of the UAE’s wider Emiratisation strategy, aimed at building a competitive national workforce and reducing reliance on public sector employment.

The programme is managed under the supervision of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and operates in collaboration with private sector employers, training institutions, and federal authorities.

Strategic purpose of NAFIS

NAFIS was introduced to address several structural challenges in the labour market, including:

• Limited Emirati participation in private sector roles

• Skills mismatches between graduates and market needs

• Wage competitiveness between public and private sectors

• Retention challenges faced by private employers

Through financial support and structured initiatives, NAFIS helps create a more sustainable, skills-driven employment ecosystem.

Who does NAFIS apply to?

NAFIS applies to:

• UAE nationals seeking private sector employment

• Private sector companies registered with MOHRE

• Employers subject to Emiratisation quotas, based on company size and activity

Some free zone companies may also fall under NAFIS and Emiratisation requirements, depending on regulatory alignment with MOHRE.

Core NAFIS initiatives and support mechanisms

Wage support programme

NAFIS provides government-funded salary support to eligible Emirati employees in the private sector for a defined period. This incentive:

• Makes private sector roles more financially attractive

• Reduces immediate payroll pressure on employers

• Encourages long-term employment rather than short-term hiring

Child allowance

Eligible Emirati employees may receive a monthly child allowance, helping support work-life balance and increasing private sector retention.

Pension contribution support

NAFIS contributes toward pension payments for Emiratis employed in the private sector, aligning private sector benefits more closely with public sector employment.

Training, upskilling, and career development

NAFIS supports:

• Graduate and internship programmes

• Professional certifications

• On-the-job training and mentorship

• Career transition and upskilling pathways

These initiatives are designed to ensure Emiratis are job-ready and future-focused, not just employed.

NAFIS and Emiratisation compliance

NAFIS is closely linked to the UAE’s Emiratisation mandates, which require certain private sector companies to employ a minimum percentage of UAE nationals.

Through NAFIS, employers receive:

• Financial incentives to meet Emiratisation targets

• Access to Emirati talent pools

• Support in onboarding and retention

Companies that fail to meet Emiratisation requirements may face:

• Monthly financial penalties

• Restrictions on work permit issuance

• Increased regulatory scrutiny

Employer obligations under NAFIS

Employers participating in NAFIS must:

• Register Emirati employees accurately on official platforms

• Ensure roles are genuine and productive

• Maintain compliance with MOHRE labour regulations

• Avoid practices such as ghost employment or false salary reporting

Non-compliance may result in:

• Withdrawal of financial incentives

• Administrative fines

• Legal or regulatory action

Role of NAFIS for Emirati employees

For UAE nationals, NAFIS provides:

• Improved access to private sector opportunities

• Financial stability during early career stages

• Structured career growth and training pathways

• Greater flexibility compared to public sector employment

This encourages long-term private sector careers, rather than short-term placements.

Registration and administration

Both employers and Emirati employees must:

• Register through approved NAFIS or MOHRE digital platforms

• Submit required documentation

• Meet ongoing eligibility and reporting requirements

Support is typically provided for a limited duration, subject to continued compliance.

Key takeaway

NAFIS is a cornerstone of the UAE’s workforce nationalisation strategy, designed to balance employer needs with national talent development.

By offering wage, pension, and training support, it enables private sector employers to meet Emiratisation requirements while building a sustainable, skilled Emirati workforce.