The new deadline to meet the target will be July 7 instead of June 30.

Companies within the private sector who are trying to meet the mid-year Emiratisation deadline have been given an extra week due to the Eid Al Adha holiday, said the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said in a circular.

The new deadline to meet the target will be July 7 instead of June 30.

Those who do not meet the deadline will face a fine of Dh42,000 for each Emirati role not filled on July 8, the Ministry explained.

“As the ministry is committed to achieving its objectives of creating a competitive job market for UAE nationals and developing their skills through more collaboration with the private sector, we decided to allow more time for companies to comply with the decision and avoid relevant penalties,” said the ministry.

“We call on companies to take advantage of the extended deadline to reach their targets,” they added.

The half-year target for the private sector is that 1% of the workforce to be filled by Emirati employees.

“This provides an enormous boost to our efforts, in line with the government’s objectives and vision,” the ministry said.

“We consider the private sector to be an active partner in achieving long-term growth, as our collaborative efforts will benefit the job market.”