FNC seeks better demographic profile of UAE, empowerment
SOCIAL SECURITY, HEALTH INSURANCE AND EARLY RETIREMENT FOR WOMEN AMONG CONCERNS
Members of the Federal National Council yesterday called for better shaping of the demographic profile of the country, improving education, social security and health insurance nationwide.
The members were responding to President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s statement inaugurating the House’s 16th legislative chapter on November 18.
In his statement, Shaikh Khalifa pointed out that the council’s session was being held amid challenges in which the country has emerged stronger. He also praised acts of heroism by the UAE Armed Forces.
In the speech read out by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the President called on FNC members to be the link between the government and citizens, stressing that “our beloved country preserves its national gains through the sacrifices of its brave Armed Forces”.
Members of the council called on the government to address the demographic imbalance in a way that strikes a balance between comprehensive development and interests of the nation.
The council said in a letter to the president that demographic policies and initiatives should be aimed at creating more jobs for Emiratis, especially in teaching, medicine, nursing, media and tourism.
Only 10 per cent
The construction sector contributed 8.6 per cent to gross domestic product (GDP), but employed 47.5 per cent of the foreign manpower, according to Labour Ministry statistics. Labour Ministry figures also showed university graduates employed in the private sector accounted for only 10 per cent of the UAE work force.
The House pressed for improving education to match skills and jobs, saying the issue has become a high-priority policy concern.
Members of the council demanded that the government work out a comprehensive system for social security and health insurance across the emirates.
The House has repeatedly pressed for a federal health insurance system and equal benefits for citizens in the various emirates.
A draft federal law to establish a social security system, which supported the unemployed by allocating a monthly benefit payment, was rejected by the Ministry of Labour in 2012. At present, the focus is very much on encouraging Emiratis into the workforce and in particular into the private sector, a programme that has been financed by the Khalifa Fund for Emiratisation Empowerment, and spearheaded by government organisations such as the Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council and Tanmia.
Inflation-linked rises
The House also demanded a change in retirement laws to give Emirati pensioners annual inflation-linked rises, saying it was necessary to keep the pensions in line with the cost of living.
The representatives also called for parity among retirees of the government and private sector businesses with the latter’s employers paying the same contribution to the state pension fund to help their pensions keep up with prevailing consumer prices, thus encouraging more citizens to work in the private sector.