Dubai, September 19 / WAM / Dubai Courts confirmed that fake employment is one of the most serious violations related to the 'Nafis' program, as it is not only considered an administrative violation but also rises to the level of a crime affecting public funds and is treated judicially as a form of fraud or embezzlement, stressing that the law confronts this phenomenon with deterrent penalties to protect the integrity of the labor market.

This comes within the framework of national efforts to promote Emiratization and empower Emirati talents in the private sector through the 'Nafis' program, which provides a generous incentive package for companies committed to hiring citizens and expanding their participation in the labor market.

The Federal Decree-Law No. (9) of 2024 on Labor Relations, along with Cabinet Resolution No. (43) of 2025, stipulated a set of violations and administrative penalties related to the 'Nafis' program, ensuring the achievement of Emiratization goals fairly and effectively.

The resolution in its second article identified a number of serious violations, most notably fake employment, failure to comply with the specified Emiratization rates, falsification of data or documents submitted, and failure to pay agreed salaries or benefits to citizens working within the framework of the program.

As for the penalties resulting from these violations, they include suspending the financial support provided by the program, recovering amounts paid without entitlement, imposing financial fines, revoking or suspending the license in case of repeated violations, in addition to referral to the Public Prosecution upon proof of forgery or fraud, subjecting violators to legal accountability and criminal penalties.

Her Excellency Hamda Ahli, a judge in the Labor Court of Dubai Courts, affirmed that fake employment is one of the most prominent legal and administrative challenges threatening the integrity of the labor market, and it is not just an administrative violation but rises to the level of a crime affecting public funds, and is treated judicially as a form of fraud or embezzlement. This type of manipulation aims to obtain financial support from the state without right, constituting a clear misuse of government resources and donors' trust.

She explained that the legal penalties for such violations may include large financial fines, imprisonment, or both, in addition to administrative penalties such as depriving the establishment of government benefits or suspending its license, stressing that the UAE judiciary handles these cases with strictness and transparency, and is keen to expedite legal procedures to protect economic and social integrity.

She added that combating these phenomena requires cooperation and awareness from various segments of society, especially the private sector. In light of this, the competent authorities continue their efforts to promote a culture of legal compliance through national awareness initiatives such as the 'Be Legal' initiative, which aims to remind employers and citizens that manipulating government support programs undermines efforts to build a strong and sustainable economy and exposes violators to legal accountability.