MEA Employment Predictions 2024: Streamlining Nationalisation Policies

Expect a continued refinement and optimisation of nationalisation policies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), focusing on creating more seamless and effective processes for workforce nationalisation initiatives.

In the UAE in 2023 we saw Emiratisation quotas for smaller employers in specific sectors. In KSA we saw continued Saudisation of the professions and a greater emphasis on mandatory training schemes for employers with headcounts of 50 or more. In both the UAE and KSA we saw a greater requirement for certification of artisan professionals, especially in immigration procedures for non-nationals to secure work permits in the country and an emphasis on vocational training in the country for nationals. 

Looking ahead, we expect to see more emphasis on training in the UAE and KSA as well as further evolution of national policies to promote access to the labour market for specific groups within the national population (e.g. disabled employees, female participation and workforces in specific regions).

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