Unemployment and job search
This FAQ section addresses unemployment benefits for those who lost jobs in the private sector, outlining eligibility conditions. It also answers what to do if there are no matching job opportunities on the Nafis "Job Offers" page, and explains the need for registration on Nafis even if someone is already registered on other local job portals.
I have lost my job in the private sector; how can I apply for the Unemployment Benefit program?
An Emirati who has lost their job in the private sector (for a reason beyond their control) is entitled to apply for financial support through https://nafis.gov.ae
The financial support will be disbursed to you for a period of 12 months within 5 years (provided that the period of benefit does not exceed 6 consecutive months during the 5 years).
These are the requirements and conditions:- ✓Having the legal eligibility to work
- ✓You’re not a student or registered in one of the accredited educational institutions in the UAE.
- ✓Your age should not be less than (18) or more than (60) years.
- ✓You have completed the UAE National Service or if you’re completely exempted from it.
- ✓You do not have an income that exceeds the financial support
- ✓Registered on Nafis and Emiratisation-related authorities
- ✓Not beneficiary of any financial social assistance program (you or your spouse or children from any federal or local authority)
To learn more about this program and its conditions, please visit the Benefits page and click on Unemployment Benefit
What should I do if there is nothing that matches my experiences and expertise on the “Job Offers” page?
Job offers are uploaded to Nafis on a daily basis, so you can keep browsing and searching for other job opportunities that are aligned with your educational attainment and professional experience. If none of the available opportunities match your expertise, you can continue to browse the available opportunities in the field of training and development.
Even if you find a job outside of the Nafis platform, you can still claim the benefits of other programs based on the eligibility criteria.
I am already registered in AeJobs portal or other local job portals. Do I need to register here as well?
Nafis is your one-stop-shop for accessing all the benefits of the Nafis program under the umbrella of a single platform. Thus, to obtain the benefits of Nafis programs and initiatives, an Emirati must register through the platform. If you are a job seeker, we encourage you to use any platform you think will help you in finding a job in the private sector that suits your skills.