New law against insulting Emirati seniors carries Dh50,000 fine

Federal National Council passes law to protect senior citizens against abuse

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A new law that punishes anyone who insults or abuses senior Emirati citizens was passed by the Federal National Council on Wednesday.

The legislation aims to protect Emiratis aged 60 and above, and carries harsh penalties against offenders.

Caregivers who abuse or insult senior citizens face up to two years in jail or a fine ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh50,000. In some cases, offenders will be both fined and jailed.

The same penalties apply to caregivers who have failed to provide adequate care or committed an act that disrupts their ability to provide such care and causes "great damage".

According to the law, any facility found breaking the rules will receive a fine of no less than Dh100,000 and up to Dh1 million.

The law also punishes anyone who witnesses abuse but fails to report it. Those convicted could spend up to a year in prison and will be fined between Dh10,000 and Dh50,000.

Repeat offenders will have their punishment doubled the second time around.

The law allows two parties to try to resolve an abuse case before it is presented in court. The terms for such reconciliation will be set out in the law’s list of amendments, yet to be issued.

The law is aimed at protecting senior Emiratis in particular because non-Emirati residents over 60 tend not to retire in the UAE.

It also builds on existing laws in the Emirates that generally criminalise abuse and insults.

On Tuesday, FNC members debated the draft law with Hessa Buhumaid, the Minister of Community Development.

The Ministry recently stepped up efforts to improve the quality of life for elderly Emiratis, announcing a partnership with Etihad Airways on Tuesday that gives senior citizens access to travel benefits.

The council added a set of articles to the draft law, by which members said the ministry must abide to ensure the law's effectiveness.

Among these is the creation of a database with information on all Emiratis aged 60 and above, their carers and their social and financial status.

The FNC called on the ministry to introduce a simple and fast way for elderly Emiratis to report their complaints.

The ministry was also asked to prepare and submit annual reports that detail their programmes for improving services to seniors.

Last year, the Cabinet approved a policy to protect senior citizens, offering health insurance and greater social inclusion.