UAE's Updated Nafis Policy: Key Changes Coming in September
Starting this September, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) is rolling out a revised Nafis framework designed to bolster long-term sustainability for UAE nationals in the private sector. A major pillar of this update is the standardization of the minimum salary eligibility to Dh6,000, aligning with recent government wage mandates. While new beneficiaries will see structured salary-support caps based on their academic qualificationsâranging from Dh3,000 to Dh6,000âexisting recipients will transition to these new levels gradually over the next three years, with benefit adjustments occurring in six-month intervals to ensure a smooth adaptation.
Beyond salary adjustments, the government is significantly enhancing family support by removing the previous cap on child allowances, allowing for a monthly contribution of Dh600 for every eligible child. Furthermore, the program is expanding its reach by introducing specific support for the children of Emirati mothers and the spouses of Emirati men employed in the private sector. Alongside these social benefits, there is a notable shift in administrative responsibility: private-sector employers will now take charge of their statutory share of pension contributions for staff enrolled in the Nafis program. These comprehensive changes, which extend the initiative's reach until 2040, underscore the UAEâs commitment to making private-sector careers more attractive and stable for Emirati families.