UAE enhances Nafis programme, extends support to 2040

These updates highlight the UAE leadership’s dedication to empowering citizens, strengthening families, and creating a resilient framework adaptable to economic and social changes. The amendments to the Child Allowance Scheme for UAE private sector employees include removing the cap on eligible children. Support now extends to children of female nationals working in the private sector and the spouses of nationals employed there. These changes aim to boost the programme’s social and economic impact, enhance quality of life, and promote family stability, aligned with the Year of Family 2026 goals.

Since its launch approximately five years ago, the programme has achieved notable success, demonstrating its effectiveness in supporting the stability of nationals employed in the private sector and in strengthening the competitiveness of the national workforce. The progress of Nafis aligns closely with the nation’s priorities and long-term vision.

Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the ETCC, affirmed that the extension of the Nafis programme until 2040, together with the accompanying qualitative updates, reflects the wise leadership’s forward-looking vision of reinforcing investment in people and strengthening the stability of the Emirati family as two fundamental pillars of sustainable development. He stated that these updates embody an advanced national approach to building a more inclusive and flexible support system. This approach contributes to reinforcing the sustainability of Emiratisation, enhancing the competitiveness of national talent, and strengthening the readiness of the labour market to meet future requirements.

Last week, the ETCC Board approved changes to the Child Allowance Scheme for Emirati private-sector workers, removing the previous eligibility cap. It also approved Salary Support Schemes for children of Emirati mothers and for the wives of Emirati workers in the private sector. These updates revise existing criteria, reflecting leadership’s commitment to family stability, societal participation in the labour market, and economic growth.

The latest Nafis programme updates introduce a more flexible, inclusive framework that adapts to economic and social changes. It now provides integrated financial support that takes into account academic, social, and family factors, accommodating diverse target groups and sectors. This reinforces support for employed Emiratis, boosts national talent in the workforce, and promotes job and family stability within a sustainable framework.

The amendment to the Child Allowance Scheme for Emirati private-sector workers removes the previous child limit, reflecting a more inclusive social approach. It enhances the impact of financial support on families, emphasising the link between employment stability and family well-being. This change offers greater flexibility for Emirati families.

The programme has set specific eligibility criteria for salary support for children of Emirati mothers working in the private sector. These include a monthly salary of AED6,000 to AED20,000 and a bachelor’s degree accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Salary support under this programme may be up to AED3,000 per month.

For the Salary Support Scheme for the wives of Emirati nationals in the private sector, eligibility requires a monthly salary of AED6,000 to AED15,000 and a bachelor’s degree accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Additional conditions include having at least two children or having been married for at least five years. The husband must also be an Emirati employed in the private or public sector. Applications are also accepted if the husband is retired or unable to work for certified medical reasons.

Medical professionals (with medical degrees), teaching staff, and female PhD holders are exempt from the conditions related to the number of children and five years of marriage if two years of marriage have passed, provided that their degree is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and is from a top 500 global university in their specialisation, or that they possess practical experience in vital labour market roles. Salary support under this programme may also reach up to AED3,000 per month.

To enhance career and financial stability for Emirati nationals in the private sector, and in line with the Cabinet's minimum wage decision, the minimum salary for eligibility for Nafis programme support has been standardised at AED6,000 per month across all eligible categories. Under the updated framework, the maximum monthly financial support for Emirati salaries in the private sector will be AED6,000 for bachelor’s degree holders, AED5,000 for diploma holders, and AED4,000 for secondary school graduates. For those with education below secondary level, support will be AED4,000 for married individuals or those with dependents, and AED3,000 for unmarried individuals or those without dependents, provided the monthly salary does not exceed AED20,000.

The new benefits framework is scheduled to take effect in September 2026 for new beneficiaries, while existing recipients of the private sector Salary Support Scheme for Emirati nationals will be transitioned gradually, ensuring a phased implementation that accounts for the different eligible categories and safeguards a smooth adjustment process. Under the revised mechanism, support levels will be adjusted automatically from September 2026, with a reduction of AED500 every six months until the level specified under the new policy is reached.

Private-sector employees outside the scope of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and the Central Bank of the UAE, including those in free zones, will undergo a gradual adjustment if their monthly salary is below the approved minimum of AED6,000. They can receive support once they meet the minimum salary, with 100% of the current support for six months from September 2026, then 70% for six months, and 30% for three months.

The Nafis Programme will continue to cover pension fund contributions for Emirati employees in the private sector registered under the “Subscription” scheme. From September 2026, private-sector employers will also be responsible for paying their share of pension contributions for Emirati employees enrolled in the programme.

Since its launch, the Nafis programme has helped employ more than 176,000 Emiratis, with 152,000 working in 32,000 establishments as of March, achieving its target early. Women accounted for 74% of private-sector beneficiaries. More than 38,000 children benefited from the Child Allowance Scheme. The programme expanded nationwide. About 3,500 Emiratis benefited from the National Healthcare Programme, and 7,700 enrolled in “Competencies”, “Experience”, and “Training for Employment” programmes to improve skills and meet labour market needs.

Launched in September 2021 with a five-year budget of AED24 billion, the Nafis programme aims to employ 170,000 Emiratis in the private sector. The initiative is part of the second set of “Projects of the 50”, launched by the Government of the UAE to strengthen the national economy and drive qualitative development across the country.