Revised Nafis salary-support rules begin for Emiratis in the private sector
The September framework introduces a standard AED 6,000 eligibility floor, revised support caps and an uncapped child allowance for eligible Emirati employees.
Photo: paulamiranda2010 (CC BY 2.0)
A revised Nafis framework is taking effect for new beneficiaries in September 2026. The confirmed changes include a standard AED 6,000 minimum monthly salary for eligibility, updated salary-support limits by qualification and an uncapped child allowance.
Existing beneficiaries will move to the revised benefit structure gradually. Employers should not treat the programme as an employee-only matter: contract salary, pension contributions and payroll records all affect eligibility and administration.
HR and payroll teams should brief Emirati employees clearly, reconcile salary records and use official Nafis guidance for individual cases.
What it means for employers
- Check new Emirati hires against the AED 6,000 salary threshold.
- Align contracts, pension records and payroll data before submitting support requests.
- Explain the transition timetable separately to existing and new beneficiaries.
Related pages
Summarised by the Horizon GCC team. Original reporting: Khaleej Times
This briefing is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before acting.
Get the latest HR, jobs and labour-market news
Labour law changes, visa rules, hiring trends and salary data from the UAE and the wider Gulf — sent with a link to read the full briefing on our site.
Talk to a Horizon GCC recruitment specialist.
Speak to one of the team and find out why UAE and GCC employers trust Horizon GCC to hire HR, technical and professional talent.