The Nafis programme has introduced significant updates to its framework, effective this September, which mandate that private-sector employers assume full responsibility for pension fund contributions for their Emirati staff. These changes apply to employees enrolled in the Ishtirak programme, provided they meet the established eligibility criteria.
Previously, employer contributions were structured on a gradual scale, beginning at 0% in the first year and rising to 2%, 4%, 5%, and 6% in subsequent years. Under the new policy, this incremental schedule has been removed. Nafis will now focus its support exclusively on assisting Emirati employees with their personal contributions to these pension funds, rather than subsidizing the employer’s share.
Nafis officials emphasized that long-term financial and job security is intrinsically linked to the concept of a fair salary. By shifting the burden of pension contributions to the private sector, the programme aims to ensure that the employment relationship extends beyond a simple monthly paycheck. This move is designed to integrate pension registration and employment rights into a broader framework of professional stability.
The programme stated that linking pension protection directly to private-sector roles makes the industry more attractive to Emirati citizens. By removing the reliance on government-supported contribution schedules, the initiative encourages companies to view Emiratisation as a core corporate strategy rather than a compliance-based obligation. This shift is expected to foster a more mature labour market where employers are fully invested in their national workforce.
A primary pillar of these reforms is the transition toward higher-quality Emiratisation. Nafis noted that success is no longer measured solely by the total number of Emirati hires, but by the quality of the positions they hold. The goal is to ensure that roles are meaningful, offer competitive compensation, and provide clear pathways for long-term career advancement.
This strategic shift follows a period of significant growth in Emirati employment, with current figures showing 190,000 Emiratis now working in the private sector. Looking ahead, the programme is prioritizing employee retention and the development of high-quality career opportunities. Specific regional targets reflect this focus, such as Sharjah’s goal to exceed 3,000 Emirati hires in 2026 and the Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority’s (KHDA) objective of reaching 3,000 Emirati teachers by 2033.
The responsibility for this next phase of the programme is shared. While employers are tasked with providing fair working environments and competitive salaries, Nafis expects beneficiaries to focus on continuous skill development. Employees are encouraged to utilize training initiatives such as the Kafa’at (Competencies) programme and the Khibrah (Experience) programme to improve their competitiveness in the labour market.
Nafis highlighted that career advancement and increased earnings serve as key indicators of a beneficiary’s successful utilization of these opportunities. By investing in their own professional growth, Emiratis can secure more stable and sustainable careers, which in turn reinforces the value they bring to their respective organizations.
The Nafis provides the necessary enabling tools and policies, employers offer the professional environment and fair compensation, and employees contribute by building their skills and ambition. This balanced approach is considered the foundation for the programme’s long-term mission through 2040.
Ultimately, the reforms send a clear message to the private sector: Emirati citizens should be viewed as vital human capital. By establishing a more transparent framework for salary policies and government support, companies can better plan their national workforce requirements.
Nafis maintains that no single party can achieve sustainable Emiratisation in isolation. Success depends on a collaborative effort where government support, employer commitment, and employee ambition align to create a robust and stable labour market.
As the UAE continues to empower its national talent, these updates ensure that the private sector remains a sustainable career path, capable of delivering long-term income and professional protection for Emirati workers.
Source: Gulf News
