Create mechanism to deal swiftly with staff-related humanitarian issues, says Sheikh Sultan

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, instructed Abdullah Ibrahim Al Zaabi, Member of the Sharjah Executive Council and Head of the Department of Human Resources, to halt all governmental roles directly handling employee-related humanitarian cases.

Additionally, he called for the creation of a prompt and adaptable mechanism to address such cases, ensuring immediate resolutions through a dedicated section within the Department of Human Resources.

Amal Al Junaibi, an employee of the Sharjah government, shared her concern during a call to the “Direct Line” programme on Sharjah Radio and Television, hosted by media personality Ahmed Sultan.

She explained her situation involving her husband, who is differently-abled, dependent on a wheelchair, and requires regular hospital visits. Her husband also underwent surgeries early last year.

Amal previously applied for and was granted leave to accompany him for in-country medical care, submitting all required documents and medical reports to justify her support as essential for his mobility and daily needs.

Recently, her husband was scheduled for another surgical operation on Feb.26, for which the hospital specifically requested her presence as an escort. Following this, she submitted a leave request to her employer to fulfil this necessity.

However, she was later shocked to discover that her employer had deducted her entire leave balance to account for the time spent assisting her husband. Additionally, substantial deductions were made from her salary over three consecutive months.

Sheikh Sultan stated during a phone call on the programme that the actions taken concerning Amal Al Junaibi were in violation of established regulations.

He emphasised that no guidelines support the procedure carried out in this manner. The employee responsible acted independently, without consulting the relevant instructions or involving the general administration, and all actions taken were incorrect.

Sheikh Sultan shared that Abdullah Ibrahim Al Zaabi has been contacted and instructed to intervene immediately.

They have directed the suspension of positions responsible for managing such humanitarian cases.

Sheikh Sultan reiterated their commitment to ensuring Amal Al Junaibi’s happiness and requested Abdullah Ibrahim Al Zaabi to join the discussion through the “Direct Line” to address and rectify the mistake, while ensuring that all her rights are fully restored.

In a generous gesture, Sheikh Sultan instructed the Amiri Diwan to cover one academic year’s tuition fees for the daughter of Emirati citizen Fatima Mohammed from Kalba.

The young student is currently enrolled at the University of Sydney in Australia.

During a phone call to the “Direct Line” programme, Fatima Mohammed explained that her daughter had been pursuing her studies on a merit-based scholarship provided by the UAE government.

Unfortunately, after losing a grade in part of one course, the scholarship was temporarily suspended for this academic year as per the regulations, though it will resume in the following years.

Faced with the considerable tuition fees amounting to Dhs300,000 for this year, Fatima sought assistance, which was met with this commendable initiative by His Highness.

Sheikh Sultan shared a series of positive announcements on Thursday, during the “Direct Line” programme.

He concluded by instructing Rashid Ahmed Bin Al Sheikh, Head of the Amiri Diwan, to reach out to the Friends of Patients Association to reinstate the medical assistance previously provided to Umm Abdul Rahman.

During her call to the programme, Umm Abdul Rahman explained that she is the daughter of a female citizen and is experiencing severe health issues.

She noted that the association had ceased its support several months ago, leaving her without health insurance or a stable income, other than the aid her mother receives from the Department of Social Services in Sharjah.

Sheikh Sultan also announced the development of a new residential complex in the University District, located opposite Khor Kalba, with an expected completion timeline of six months. Furthermore, he revealed plans for the imminent opening of a guesthouse in Kalba, designed similarly to the Al Rayahin Guesthouse in Khorfakkan.

Recently, Sheikh Sultan approved the promotion of 238 administrative staff members of Sharjah Judicial Department and granted incentive bonuses to 56 employees.

This was announced by Abdullah Ibrahim Al Zaabi, Head of Sharjah Department of Human Resources, on the Direct Line programme broadcast on Sharjah Broadcasting Authority.

According to the decision, those with 4-8 years of service will be promoted one grade and those with eight and above years of service two grades, he said, adding that those with 2-4 years of service will be given two bonuses.

A financial promotion of 20 per cent was issued to two employees and Special Grade B was given to two employees, while 12 employees were given Grade A, 31 employees grade 1, 60 employees grade 2, 79 employees grade 3, 15 employees grade 4, 25 employees grade 6 and 12 employees grade 6, he said.