What is the Nafees Program?

The Nafees program is a federal initiative designed to enhance the competitiveness of Emirati human resources and empower them to secure employment in the private sector.

It is part of the ‘Projects of the 50’, a series of developmental and economic projects aiming to accelerate the UAE’s growth and strengthen the economy.

Enhancing the capabilities of Emirati professionals

The program plays a pivotal role in empowering Emirati talent by providing a comprehensive suite of benefits and services that cater to various aspects of professional development and employment.

Key Components of the Nafees Program:

• Salary Support Scheme: This scheme offers government support for the salaries of Emirati nationals aiming to work in the private sector, making it more attractive for them to join and contribute to this vital part of the economy.
• Unemployment Benefit: In the unfortunate event of involuntary job loss in the private sector, Emiratis can receive financial support for up to six months while they search for new employment opportunities.
• Child Allowance Scheme: For the first time, the government is providing child allowance funding for Emirati employees working in the private sector, helping to ease the financial burden on families.
• Pension Program: A five-year plan supports the pension contributions of Emirati employees and provides rebates, as well as support for the contributions of private sector employers.
• On-the-job Training Support: This initiative supports the salaries of Emirati nationals who participate in practical training programs in the private sector, enhancing their skills and employability.
• Apprentice Program Support: Freshly graduated Emiratis can receive financial support when they take up apprenticeships in private and semi-private companies, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
• Career Counselling Program: Professional career counsellors provide guidance and resources to help Emiratis understand their abilities, personal skills, and professional preferences, aiding them in selecting suitable jobs.
• Job Offers Platform: A unified platform connects Emiratis with job opportunities in the private sector and allows employers to find relevant profiles.
• Healthcare Programme: An educational grant program supports Emiratis in obtaining the qualifications required for a career within the healthcare sector.
• Talent Program: This training program aims to upskill or reskill UAE nationals, helping them obtain internationally recognized professional certificates in various professions.

How can private companies participate in the program?

Private companies can actively participate in the Nafis Program to support Emirati talent and contribute to the UAE’s economic growth. Here are some ways private companies can engage with the program:

• Career Assistance: Career Counselling: Private companies can collaborate with the Nafis program to provide career advice and coaching to Emirati nationals. This guidance helps individuals direct their careers effectively.
• Apprentice Program: Companies can offer twelve months of vocational training to Emiratis. During this program, participants receive a training allowance, and employers benefit by providing valuable training opportunities.
• Salary Subsidies: Emirati Salary Support Scheme: Private companies can hire Emiratis and receive salary support. This includes a top-up payment of AED 5,000 per month for existing employees (up to five years) or AED 8,000 per month for new graduates during their first year of employment.
• Merit Program: Specific professions (such as nursing, accountancy, financial auditors, lawyers, financial analysts, and coders) can benefit from additional top-up payments based on individual earnings.
• Pension Subsidy: Companies must register Emirati employees with the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) within 30 days of employment. The government provides pension contributions for newly employed Emiratis earning less than AED 20,000 per month for the first five years of employment.
• Support Measures:Recruitment Portal: Private companies can use the unified job posting platform to connect with Emirati nationals who are part of various Nafis initiatives.
• Healthcare Program: Companies can participate in developing 100,000 Emirati healthcare workers over the next five years.
• On-the-Job Training Support: Employers can support the salaries of Emiratis participating in practical training programs in the private sector.
• Talent Development Programs:Talent Program: Private companies can engage in upskilling or reskilling Emiratis, helping them obtain internationally recognized professional certificates in various fields.
• Vocational Counseling Program: Companies can provide guidance to Emiratis, helping them understand their abilities and preferences for suitable jobs.

By participating in the Nafis Program, private companies not only contribute to empowering Emirati talent but also benefit from government support and recognition.

What are the eligibility criteria for private companies to participate?

Private companies can actively participate in the Nafees Program to support Emirati talent and contribute to the UAE’s economic growth. Here are the eligibility criteria and ways private companies can engage with the program:

Career Assistance:

• Career Counselling: Private companies can collaborate with the Nafees program to provide career advice and coaching to Emirati nationals. This guidance helps individuals direct their careers effectively.
• Apprentice Program: Companies can offer twelve months of vocational training to Emiratis. During this program, participants receive a training allowance, and employers benefit by providing valuable training opportunities.

Salary Subsidies:

• Emirati Salary Support Scheme: Private companies can hire Emiratis and receive salary support. This includes a top-up payment of AED 5,000 per month for existing employees (up to five years) or AED 8,000 per month for new graduates during their first year of employment.
• Merit Program: Specific professions (such as nursing, accountancy, financial auditors, lawyers, financial analysts, and coders) can benefit from additional top-up payments based on individual earnings.

Pension Subsidy:

• Companies must register Emirati employees with the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) within 30 days of employment. The government provides pension contributions for newly employed Emiratis earning less than AED 20,000 per month for the first five years of employment.

Support Measures:

• Recruitment Portal: Private companies can use the unified job posting platform to connect with Emirati nationals who are part of various Nafees initiatives.
• Healthcare Program: Companies can participate in developing 100,000 Emirati healthcare workers over the next five years.
• On-the-Job Training Support: Employers can support the salaries of Emiratis participating in practical training programs in the private sector.

How can small businesses benefit from Nafis?

Small businesses can benefit significantly from the Nafis program by tapping into support measures designed to boost Emirati employment in the private sector. Here is how small businesses can leverage the Nafis program:

Salary Support and Subsidies:

• Emirati Salary Support Scheme: Small businesses can receive financial assistance for hiring Emirati nationals, with top-up payments to supplement salaries.
• Merit Program: Additional financial incentives are available for employing Emiratis in specific professions, such as nursing and accountancy.

Pension Contributions:

• The government offers rebates on pension contributions for Emirati employees, reducing the financial burden on small businesses for the first five years of employment.

Training and Development:

• Apprentice Program: Small businesses can provide vocational training to Emiratis, with the government covering training allowances.
• On-the-Job Training Support: Financial support is available for Emiratis undergoing practical training, enhancing their skills and value to the business.

Recruitment and Career Assistance:

• Recruitment Portal: A unified platform that helps small businesses find and recruit Emirati talent.
• Career Counselling: Businesses can access professional career counsellors to guide Emiratis in choosing suitable job roles.

Healthcare Workforce Development:

• Small businesses in the healthcare sector can participate in the initiative to develop 100,000 Emirati healthcare workers over five years.

Business Start-up Support:

• Emirati nationals employed in the federal government can apply for sabbaticals at 50% of their salary to start their own businesses, which can create new opportunities for partnerships and collaborations with small businesses.

Conclusion

The Nafees program is a strategic effort by the UAE government to invest in its citizens, ensuring they are well-equipped, supported, and motivated to pursue careers in the private sector. By focusing on professional development, financial support, and job connectivity, the program not only empowers Emirati talent but also contributes to the diversification and resilience of the nation’s economy.

It is a forward-thinking approach to nurturing a skilled workforce that can lead the UAE towards a prosperous future.