Job ads specifying race are not okay, according to common decency, but also, according to the UAE’s Ministry for Human Resources and Emiratisation.

One job ad specifying ‘white ladies only’ made headlines on The National for its racism, while another post was shared on Reddit about applicants ‘any nationality except African’.

It poses more questions about the hiring company’s ethics, rather than the candidate’s abilities in most cases.

And enough is enough.

Recommended

The Dubai Ruler Called Out 3 Government Managers For Breaching ‘Open Door’ PolicyThe UAE President Is Calling For Rain Prayer On SaturdayThe UAE Revealed Rules For Eid Al Etihad Celebrations

It’s almost become normalised here, the ability to pay people according to where they come from – or the colour of their skin

And it’s ridiculous. It’s not okay.

Race in no way influences someone’s ability to do a job.

It’s not acceptable to do so in other countries, and it’s not acceptable here.

Businesses blatantly stating they want a ‘white lady only’ or ‘no Africans’ is outrageous.

If you want to employ someone based on their language skills, then specify ‘fluent English speaker only’ or the relevant language.

The ministry has made its stance on this kind of hiring practice – stating it’s prohibited, so it’s time businesses stop this blatant racism, and start hiring based on merit.