The new Nafis structure will be implemented in September, introducing changes to salary support limits, establishing a minimum salary of 6,000 dirhams to qualify for support, unlimited child allowance, and altering employer responsibilities regarding pension contributions.
The Emirates Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) announced that the new programs and updates will take effect in September 2026 for new beneficiaries. Existing beneficiaries of the Emiratisation Salary Support Program in the private sector will gradually transition to the new terms over a period of up to three years.
For new beneficiaries, the maximum monthly support will be 6,000 dirhams for bachelor's degree holders, 5,000 dirhams for diploma holders, and 4,000 dirhams for high school graduates. Individuals with education levels below average may receive up to 4,000 dirhams if married or have dependents, and up to 3,000 dirhams if unmarried or without dependents. The official structure stipulates that the monthly salary must not exceed 20,000 dirhams.
The Council has also unified the minimum salary for receiving Nafis support to 6,000 dirhams per month across all relevant categories, aligning with the Cabinet's decision on minimum wage.
For those already receiving support in the private sector, the revised benefit levels will be automatically applied starting in September. ETCC clarified that the support will decrease by 500 dirhams every six months until the amount set by the new policy is reached.
A separate phased approach applies to employees who fall outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and the UAE Central Bank, including free zone employees whose monthly pay is below the approved minimum. If their salary is adjusted to 6,000 dirhams, according to the official announcement, they will receive the full current support amount for six months starting in September, then 70 percent for another six months, and 30 percent over three months.
The child allowance scheme for Emiratis working in the private sector will no longer be limited to a specific number of children. ETCC stated that this change removes the previous limit on the number of children eligible for the allowance, aiming to strengthen family stability and quality of life.
An official Nafis representative noted that the program provides 600 dirhams per month for each eligible child, with the updated agreement starting in September 2026.
The Nafis update also includes support for the children of Emirati mothers working in the private sector. This support can reach 3,000 dirhams per month if the applicant meets the official conditions, including a monthly salary between 6,000 and 20,000 dirhams and an accredited bachelor's degree.
Spouses of Emirati men working in the private sector can also claim up to 3,000 dirhams per month. Criteria include a monthly salary in the range of 6,000 to 15,000 dirhams, possession of an accredited bachelor's degree, and either having at least two children or being married for five years. Furthermore, the man must be an Emirati working in the public or private sector, retired, or medically certified as unable to work.
ETCC established limited exceptions to the conditions regarding children and marriage duration after two years of marriage. These exceptions apply to holders of medical degrees, teaching staff, qualified PhD holders, and women with experience in vital labor markets, provided the requirements published by the Council are met.
Nafis will continue to cover pension fund contributions for eligible Emirati employees in the private sector registered under the subscription scheme. However, starting in September, private employers will become responsible for paying their statutory share of pension contributions for Emirati employees participating in the program.
The official UAE government portal confirms that Nafis has been extended until 2040, with recent measures including the removal of the child allowance cap and the introduction of new support for the children of Emirati mothers and spouses of Emirati citizens working in the private sector. These changes are part of a broader Nafis review aimed at supporting Emiratisation and enhancing employment sustainability in the private sector for UAE nationals and their families.