FNC members seek hike in Emiratis’ pay

Members also pressed the government to come up with a “more effective policy” that assures increased private sector salaries and other benefits.

Benefits are regularly reviewed, says minister

The Federal National Council (FNC) on Tuesday saw a lengthy debate over the issue of government policy on Emiratis’ salaries, pensions, social security and financial support for heirs. The issues were raised in a motion presented by five members.

Chaired by FNC Speaker Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Tuesday’s session was attended by Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, who answered ten written questions on the issue.

He also faced a volley of questions from FNC members.

Members also pressed the government to come up with a “more effective policy” that assures increased private sector salaries and other benefits.

In the motion, FNC members called for a comprehensive debate on the policies of the General Authority for Pensions and Social Security and demanded that it review its strategic plans for the support of retirees for their protection against rising inflation.

Member Ahmed Al Mansouri said pension increment should be linked to the cost of living. He asked Minister Al Tayer, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the General Authority for Pensions and Social Security, about the efforts being made by the authority to support the beneficiaries of the pension scheme to help them manage the rising prices.

“Has the authority taken any action to link the pension to the cost of living?”

Responding to members’ questions, the minister said pensions, salary increments and benefits for the UAE citizens are set according to studies and surveys.

“Salaries, pensions and all other benefits are regularly reviewed according to market fluctuations to ensure that citizens are not affected by high inflation. However, all the questions raised by members are considered and will be taken up.”

Another member, Misbah Al Ketbi, in his question, suggested increasing the allowance from Dh600 to Dh1,000 for each child of a citizen to help families manage their domestic budgets. “The cost of living is very high nowadays and that is the reason people are not having children.”

Emiratis are in the minority in their own country because people are not having many children due to financial problems, he said.

nissar@khaleejtimes.com