28 April 2019, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Emirati nationals applying for jobs in the mainland must now attend a training session on labour regulations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), before their employment contract is approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Emiratis employed by companies in free zones do not have to attend the training. 

This new requirement is in line with the opening of a number of ‘Tawteen’ service centres, designated by the MOHRE to offer guidance on rights and responsibilities of employers and Emirati employees prior to any contractual engagement, as well as new regulations on employment of Emiratis in the private sector, issued in July 2018. Similar training program for foreign nationals in select professions was introduced by the MOHRE in October 2018. 

Training session details 

The training involves a 30-minute classroom session with an informational video on UAE employment regulations. Upon completing the training, attendees will be issued their labour contract and a training booklet. All applicants, regardless of their job title, must attend the training at any Tawteen service centre across the UAE. The session is free of charge and no prior booking is currently required. 

What this means for employers and foreign nationals 

Employers in the mainland must account for extra time it will take to obtain employment contract for their Emirati employees due to the new step in the process. 

Emiratis must ensure that they are available to attend the training session as soon as possible in order to avoid delays in the employment contract issuance process. 

How Fragomen can assist? 

Fragomen will continue monitoring the situation and will revert with additional information as developments occur.