SHARJAH // Children of Emirati mothers and foreign fathers will now be paid the same as citizens under a decree by Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah.
And the emirate has allocated Dh18 million a year to give all government workers equal pay, a senior official has announced.
Tariq bin Khadim, director general of the Sharjah Human Resources Department, told Al Khat Al Mubasher radio programme that Sheikh Sultan had ordered the two changes.
The decision was made to take effect from January, so HR departments would provide retroactive pay and benefits by the end of this month.
“There have been some delays to conduct some studies and make good preparations, but they will be starting end of March and pay even the previous two months,” said Mr bin Khadim.
“The beneficiaries would also have job reviews to get new grades and new job titles.”
He said Sheikh Sultan’s decision also entitled the children of Emirati mothers and foreign fathers to benefits such as allocated land and housing, and the department of planning and surveying was implementing that directive.
Mr bin Khadim said the ruling reflected Sheikh Sultan’s deep concern for the welfare of the children and his wish for them to have the good and decent life all citizens enjoyed.
He said Emirati mothers with young children would receive a monthly welfare allowance of Dh600 for every child, with no maximum limit.
The Government is also allocating Dh5 million for medical care.
ykakande@thenational.ae
