UAE plans 20,000 new Emirati jobs to replace expat talent

The UAE is planning to create 20,000 new jobs aimed exclusively at Emiratis.

In a move which may result in the beginning of the end of jobs for expat professionals in the Gulf States, the UAE will create 20,000 private sector jobs for locals as well as subsidising their wages.No less than 160 private sector job categories will be included, with only Emiratis eligible to apply. The UAE is the second-largest economy in the Arab world, in which expatriates form 80 per cent of its entire population. It's also the latest cash-strapped Gulf State to attempt to reduce the burden of being first-resort employers for the bulk of the population, especially as private companies prefer to hire expats as they demand less pay and work longer hours.

Local job seekers in the fields of telecommunications, real estate, banking, aviation and insurance are to be targeted, with some 8,000 graduates every year being able to gain work experience in private companies. Some 40 per cent of their salaries will be subsidised by the government and, according to a Dubai statement, the cost of training some 18,000 new workers is estimated to top 300 million dirhams, money which will flow into the state’s coffers as the result of introducing VAT on sales. In addition, government institution managerial positions will be limited to nationals.

UAE leader Sheikh Mohammad told local media the support of Emiratization isn’t incompatible with attracting global expat talent, explaining that this creates a diversified, strong economy giving opportunities to all. Expats already living and working in the UAE may disagree, especially considering local work ethics and attitudes.

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