Emiratis’ problems aired on radio, solved

Hajar Khamis, Staff Reporter

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, responded to complaints and appeals of citizens made via the Direct Line programme broadcast live on Sharjah Radio and TV and handled each one separately before the end of each call.

Saeed asked Sheikh Sultan to help him settle his debt to his bank amounting to Dhs1.019 million because he could no longer meet the needs of his family. He added that he submitted an application to the Sharjah Debt Settlement Committee but they apologised to him because the debt was big. Saeed explained that the debt became big because he had to pay the rental of the apartment he lived in, take a marriage loan and buy a car for his family. He implored Sheikh Sultan to help him by settling any part of the debt so that he would have some money to spend on his family.

During Saeed’s conversation with the programme, Sheikh Sultan’s response came in which he told Saeed that his problem would be solved.

Abu Saleh from Khor Fakkan said in his conversation that he had been working for Sharjah Police for 26 years but when he started work he did not have a family book. Abu Saleh had a family book after 13 years and as soon as he reached the retirement age, he asked the human resources section to allow him to be pensioned off. He was told, however, that his previous service would not be calculated, according to the human resources law. He explained that he and some other people got their family books several years after joining work.

Before Abu Saleh finished his conversation, Sheikh Sultan responded that the period he worked would be calculated in full from the date he was appointed up till now, adding that this would apply to his colleagues who had the same problem.

Umm Musbeh from Khor Fakkan said she had five children who held Sharjah passports because their father, who she was separated from, was from Al Dhaid. Two of her children were married but had no houses because their father refused to provide them with the original citizenship and consequently could not apply for houses, she said.

She added that she was a retiree but did not receive assistance from the Ministry of Community Development and was suffering from hard financial conditions. While Umm Musbeh was talking, she was interrupted by Al Suwaidi who told her that Sheikh Sultan was listening to her and the Emiri Court officials would call her and solve her problem.