Emiratisation and job prospects for expats

Last activity 20 March 2019 by XTang

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Anne-Lise MtyAdministrator19 March 2019 12:50:31

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Hello everyone! I’m Anne-Lise and I’m in charge of editorial here at Expat.com. We are trying to create content for our magazine which corresponds more to what YOU would want to see and that is of real interest to you. This is why, we are trying to get in touch with our community everywhere around the world.

An article that we are working on right now pertains to what is commonly called the ‘Emiratisation’ or the move to hire more Emiratis, especially in the private sector. As such, we would like to know what are your views but also what has been your experience ever since this programme has been put in gear. Would you please be able to answer a few questions for us?

Has it been harder for an expatriate to find a job in the UAE during the last year?
Have people been laid off to be replaced by local labour?
Has the environment changed with respect to expatriates either in the social or the professional milieu in the last year or so?

Thank you! Do not hesitate to answer to this thread!

XTangBahrain/UAE/Saudi Arabia Expert20 March 2019 07:32:50

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In terms of the localisation initiative, you have to separate the companies in the free zone vs. those in the mainland. In the free zones, this drive doesn't have a huge impact as they follow different guidelines. A LOT of private companies are set up in the free zones.

In the mainland, this does have an impact but again it is industry specific. It is more of an issue in the banking, government and semi-government sectors. These are already on the high side of localisation ratios anyways. Yes, expats have been laid off but at the same time, the huge business growth in the free zones, as companies set up regional hubs has also boosted demand.

For skilled professionals and experienced senior executives, I would not say that it is any more difficult to find jobs vs. a few years ago. The only gap has been in the pay that is being offered but that is primarily due to economic conditions.

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