Abu Dhabi // The Pension Board should treat retired people with more dignity, FNC members claimed yesterday, describing some of its procedures as “chaotic and unorganised”.
Dr Abdullah Al Shamsi (Ajman) said people still had to travel in person to Dubai to submit a pension application and called for the implementation of smartphone services so they could avoid making this trip.
He said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, had launched the smart government initiative – but this had not been adopted when it came to pensions.
FNC members voiced their concerns to Obaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs and vice chairman of the General Pension and Social Security Authority, at the meeting in the capital yesterday.
“Immediate action should be taken to benefit from smartphones. Many retirees come from other emirates to register for the pensions [in Dubai] and some apply for their family members,” he said.
“When he [the relative] arrives, they ask him for the person’s physical appearance at the authority and do not accept his legitimate papers.”
Dr Al Shamsi described the fund’s system as “chaotic and unorganised”, and said there was no “etiquette” in dealing with people who had served their country.
“I am one of the retirees. No one ever called me. The authority does not accept that a son is calling on behalf of his father.
“We represent the people. I need an answer – what eases the people’s procedures in such cases?” he asked.
However, Mr Al Tayer said the board had been working on an advanced online service for the past three years.
“At this point, we are following a planned operation. We will reach those pensioners that cannot reach us – customer service centres will be provided everywhere and we will reach all people,” he said.
He said the employees at the authority were doing their jobs and were not following a “lazy routine”.
“We deal with such cases with humanity and respect. In 2013, the authority spent Dh2.5 billion on pensions. There is a law we must follow – this is all for the benefit of the pensioners,” he said.
Other FNC members praised Dr Al Shamsi’s comments during the session.
Meanwhile, Dr Mona Al Bahar (Dubai) argued that the heirs of deceased women deserved to receive her pension.
She said many women had spoken to her regarding their dire need for pensions in order to live a stable life and said women were only asking for equality.
“Women have complained to me and I wish the minister would clarify,” she said.
In some Arabian Gulf countries, Dr Al Bahar said women received half of their pension when they retired as a lump sum so it could be invested.
“Then, the other half is given [to relatives] after death. So why don’t we implement that?” she asked.
“The UAE has become the number one country that gives great praise to women.
“Today, the UAE is the only country on an Arab level to have a clear strategy in developing women, with the supervision of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. We are considered partners of men, as equals. A women’s pension is her right and she requires answers,” said Dr Al Bahar.
Mr Al Tayer said: “I respect what you have said but this is the law and it has its conditions. The law is effective towards those eligible [to the pension].
“If a woman dies leaving behind married daughters or men – they are not accountable for the pension. Divorced daughters are a separate case.”
The FNC session continues in the capital today and is open to the public.
aalkhoori@thenational.ae
nalwasmi@thenational.ae
