Abu Dhabi forms committee to handle grievances against government departments

A committee has been formed to handle complaints against government-run businesses in Abu Dhabi.

Chaired by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, the Complaints and Grievances Committee will review issues raised by members of the public, companies and contractors. The body will identify the causes of complaints and work to encourage all parties to find an acceptable resolution.

It will also oversee employee performance and have the power to refer staff for disciplinary action if they are found to be negligent.

The creation of the committee comes after a federal ministry revoked the licence of a Tasheel government service centre last month after complaints about its performance. Penalties were also imposed on nine other centres.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said the centres had committed a string of offences and failed to heed warnings to improve. Failures included low quality of work, numerous complaints and long waiting periods for customers. Tasheel centres provide a variety of government services under one roof, including issuing Emirates ID cards and medical fitness applications.

The centre that had its licence withdrawn was in Dubai. Facilities in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah also had certain services suspended.

The Complaints and Grievances Committee was one of four bodies formed by resolutions issued by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council on Monday.

Others included the Planning and Initiatives Committee, the Committee for Public Projects and Operational Affairs and the Committee for Human Resources and Executive Management.

Creation of new body comes after a government service centre’s licence was revoked and nine other centres were fined