In a move that could significantly affect expatriate workers, including a large number of Indians and Malayalis, the UAE government has announced its intention to intensify indigenization efforts within the insurance sector.
Speaking at the Federal National Council, UAE Minister of State for Economic Affairs, Mohammed Al Husseini, outlined plans to increase Emirati employment to 30% by 2026 and to 50–60% between 2027 and 2030. The targets will vary based on company size—organizations with 2 to 19 employees must hire at least one UAE national, while those with 20 or more employees must ensure 30% national workforce participation.
Additionally, key leadership roles such as CEO and general manager must also reflect this indigenization effort, with 30% of these positions to be held by Emiratis.
As of the beginning of this month, 2,159 of the 9,773 employees in the insurance sector are UAE nationals, accounting for 22%. The minister emphasized that recent policies have already led to significant growth in Emirati participation.
While the move aims to empower the local workforce, it presents a serious challenge for expatriates in the sector who may face reduced opportunities or job displacement in the coming years.
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