Over the years the UAE has deemed itself as a pioneer in innovation and development and its key aim has always been to come up with new programs that would help make the future more sustainable. One of these outstanding initiatives is NAFIS launched under the auspices of the ambitious “Projects of the 50”.
The comprehensive plan of the program is aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the human capital of the UAE and its integration into the private sector.
As for the role of NAFIS in the context of the UAE’s vision on the development of a diversified economy, it can be seen as highly valuable in serving the aim of having the Emirati nationals contribute fruitfully to the future development of the country on the path that will be sustainable.
What is NAFIS in UAE?
The NAFIS or the National Program for Emirati Human Resources Development is a federal-driven program that remains designed to enhance the number of Emirati workers in the private sector.
It takes cognizance of the fact that there is a need to have a diverse workforce and provide jobs to several people from the Emirati community to help them enhance their experience in the job market. In terms of enhancing their professional competencies as well as promoting the economic status of citizens, NAFIS is a vital element of UAE’s approach.
Goals of NAFIS
NAFIS aims to achieve several critical goals:
- Stability of competitive human resources for Emirati development.
- It greatly contributed to the generation of numerous job opportunities in the private sector.
- Promoting cooperation between the UAE government and the private sector.
- In line with the UAE’s strategic goals and priorities aimed at the diversification of the economy.
Key Advantages of NAFIS
Emirati Salary Support Scheme
The most attractive part of NAFIS is the Emirati Salary Support Scheme. It offers financial support from the government to provide Emirati citizens employed in the private sector with reasonable wages. In a nutshell, the scheme contributes a lot to the integration of the Emiratis into the various sectors of the private employment sector by increasing the attractiveness of employment.
Unemployment Benefit
To ensure that Emiratis are protected, NAFIS provides an unemployment benefit to the citizens who are laid off by private employers unwillingly. This financial support is for a period of up to six months whereby Emiratis can easily transition as they look for other employment.
Child Allowance Scheme
Under the Child Allowance Scheme, the government provides financial assistance to Emirati workers who are employed with companies in private business.. This is a stated benefit concerning families with a view of encouraging Emiratis to seek employment with private sector organizations, thus improving the diversity of the national workforce.
Pension Program
NAFIS also comprises a five-year government-backed plan to cover pension contributions of the Emiratis in the private sector. This guarantees long-term sustainability financially and offers motivation for the Emiratis to seek meaningful careers that are outside the government workers.
On-The-Job Training Support
To support improvement in skill acquisition, NAFIS financially supports the Emiratis involved in practical skills training in firms of the private sector. Thus, it is a valuable type of practical training that enhances the prospects of finding employment due to the lack of practical skills and acquired practical skills.
Apprentice Program Support
NAFIS also goes further to finance newly graduated Emiratis who are doing apprenticeships in private or semi-private organizations. Through this program young Emiratis are prepared for employment and equipped with essential skills to metamorphose them from school to work.
How to Register for NAFIS?
The registration process for NAFIS is straightforward:
- Platform Access: First you have to enroll in the NAFIS portal by using the UAE Pass account.
- Profile Creation: Build up a comprehensive user profile entering the personal and work-related information.
- Document Submission: Scan and tender with relevant documents such as identification and any certificates in education.
- Application: For job searches, to undergo training, and to access program benefits offered by different employers, one can register through the NAFIS website.
To be considered for benefiting from NAFIS applicants must meet the following qualifications:
- The applicants must be nationals of the United Arab Emirates.
- They must be at least 18 years old.
Programs Under NAFIS
- Talent Program: NAFIS’ Talent Program aims at nurturing the capacities of Emirati nationals in the region. It promised specific training programs that come in a way of capacity building aimed at empowering Emiratis for economic activities in different sectors.
- Recruitment Targets: The newly developed NAFIS is also envisioned for the creation of 75,000 employment opportunities in the private sector over five years. This itself is quite an aggressive target and the UAE has been formulating this even as a long-term strategy to reduce the dependence on employment from the public sector.
- National Healthcare Program: The National Healthcare Program under NAFIS encourages the development of human capital in all sectors of the Emirate’s healthcare industries. To increase the intake of Emiratis into the staff establishment, it offers specialized training and educational programs to fulfill the areas of healthcare professions for national development.
Vocational Counseling Program
NAFIS also provides a Vocational Counseling Program to the Emirati people, in which they are given career guidance, knowledge, and other necessary training. This program helps provide Emiratis with sufficient knowledge and understanding of the private sector employment market and therefore helps guide the desired careers.
Success Stories and Impact: Case Studies
Through NAFIS, a lot of Emiratis have been able to secure decent jobs and therefore, make a decent living. These success stories are testimony to the success of this program in filling the narrowing gap between education and employment training as well as ensuring that Emirati citizens are adequately equipped to face the emerging job market challenges.
Impact of NAFIS on the UAE Economy
NAFIS has significantly impacted the UAE’s economy by:
- Expanding the representation of the Emirati people in private sector careers.
- The facilitation of skills and competencies of the national workforce.
- helping to diversify the economy and ensure sustainability for the support of the people.
FAQs: NAFIS in UAE
What are the main objectives of NAFIS?
NAFIS’s main objective is to improve the quality of Emirati human resources and improve the employment of the latter in various private sectors.
Who is eligible for NAFIS?
The eligible candidates to apply for NAFIS funds are Individuals of 18 years and above.
How does the Emirati Salary Support Scheme work?
It enables those citizens with financial assistance from the government to offer competitive remuneration packages to the Emirati working in the private realm.
Can Emiratis access unemployment benefits under NAFIS?
Yes, all those Emiratis who become unemployed in the private sector department through no fault of their own are allowed up to six months of unemployment benefits.
