The United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduced the Nafis program as part of ‘Projects of the 50’ to support private-sector employees in the country. It introduced benefits like the Emirati salary support scheme, child allowance scheme, unemployment benefit, pension program, and on-the-job training support for employees.
Under the ‘NAFIS’ program, the UAE aims to boost the number of Emirati beneficiaries from 75,000 to 170,000 in the next five years. The UAE government wants to empower Emirati nationals to occupy jobs in the private sector.
Benefits under the ‘NAFIS’ program
Emirati Salary Support Scheme
The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said that the ‘Nafis’ program would support the salaries of full-time employees in the private sector under the Emirati Salary Support Scheme. It would also support the salaries of Emirati Nationals involved in practical training programs in the private sector.
Unemployment Benefit Scheme
Under the Unemployment Benefit Scheme, unemployed Emirati nationals would receive financial assistance. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation wants to support employees who suffered from a loss of jobs. Emirati nationals who lost their jobs would receive AED 2,200. Their unemployed spouse would get AED 1,100.
They would receive financial support in the event of losing a job in the private sector for a period of 6 months.
Child Allowance Scheme
The program also offers child allowance to Emirati nationals. The child allowance would be given to up to four children as a maximum. An Emirati national would receive AED 600 per month for one child. Their children need to be below 21 years old and not employed or married.
On-the-job Training Support
On-the-job Training Support aims to support the salaries of Emirati citizens who select the vocational training program in the private sector through the “Nafis” program. The Nafis would also connect job seekers with related jobs.
High school degree holders would get AED 4,000 per month. Bachelor degree holders would get AED 8,000 per month. Diploma holders would get AED 6,500 per month.