In Sharjah, H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah has taken action to find employment opportunities for all UAE citizens between the ages of 18 to 60. This directive was issued in response to the misapplication of law regarding the Social Security Fund, which erroneously led to the discontinuation of hiring individuals above the age of 30. His Highness clarified that the intent of the law, issued in 2018, was to ensure that every eligible person within the specified age range has the opportunity for employment with no specific length of employment required. However, due to misinterpretation and flawed implementation, the Human Resources Directorate halted the hiring of applicants over the age of 30.
Highlighting the economic prosperity of Sharjah, His Highness mentioned that the emirate offers attractive benefits and working conditions. Employees in Sharjah have the advantage of working only four days a week, along with benefits such as maternity leave and a comprehensive annual leave of sixty days. The standard of living is also favourable for residents. For instance, a graduate from Sharjah University can expect a monthly salary of AED25,000, along with a housing allowance and other additional benefits. Furthermore, the employment process is ongoing for various institutions and organizations, including the Sharjah Police and Civil Defence. The final count of employed individuals will be announced before the end of the year.
Addressing retirement concerns, His Highness acknowledged the salary increments and adjustments that have occurred in Sharjah. However, he recognized the disparity between retirees who began receiving pensions before these increases and those who retired more recently. Older retirees receive a monthly retirement salary of approximately AED12,000, while new retirees obtain AED17,500. Despite the rise in overall income, both groups face the same fixed market prices for essential commodities like bread. Consequently, elderly retirees do not benefit from any special discounted rates. To address this issue, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi made the decision to increase the pension salaries for retirees who have been receiving lower amounts.
The Ruler of Sharjah has taken decisive action to rectify the incorrect implementation of the law concerning the Social Security Fund. His Highness has issued a directive for the Sharjah Directorate of Human Resources to ensure that all UAE citizens within the age bracket of 18 to 60 have equal employment opportunities. The misinterpretation and consequent halt in hiring individuals above the age of 30 have been rectified. Sharjah continues to offer attractive working conditions, with employees benefiting from a four-day workweek, maternity leave, and generous annual leave entitlement. The emirate also boasts excellent salaries, with a monthly salary of AED25,000 being anticipated for graduates from Sharjah University. Additionally, retiree pension salaries have been increased to address the disparity between older and newer retirees. Ultimately, these measures emphasize the commitment of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi to ensuring the well-being and equal opportunities for all residents of Sharjah.
