(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, on Thursday ordered a Dh600 million increase in the salaries of the emirate's government employees.

However, the new salary cadre, to take effect as of January 1, 2018, is only available to Emirati nationals who shall no more be categorized below the 8th grade.

A fresh graduate, as per the new decree, shall draw a monthly salary of not less than Dh18,500 as compared to Dh17,500 earlier.

"Dh18,500 shall be the minimum salary an Emirati employee with Sharjah government is entitled to every month."

While all grades below 8th have been cancelled, an employee may remain on the same grade for a maximum of six years.

Those in the first grade shall be entitled to a monthly salary of Dh30,500, including Dh21,375 as basic salary and Dh7,125 as cost of living allowance.

The employee, on the same first grade, shall also be entitled to other benefits, including Dh2,000 as a social increment, and Dh600 as a child allowance with no limit (for all employees), and an annual increment of Dh300.

Staffers on the second grade shall be entitled to a total package of Dh28,500 as compared to Dh26,500 for the third, Dh25,000 for the fourth, Dh21,500 for the fifth, Dh19,500 for the sixth, and Dh18,500 for the seventh, and Dh18,500 for the eighth.

Dr. Tariq bin Khadem, chairman of the human resources department, was quoted as saying that the Sharjah Ruler has also ordered the increase of the pensions of Emirati government retirees.

"The government shall pay the difference between the due pensions and ordered increase for employees in service," he told the 'Live' radio programme. "The difference shall be deposited in the Sharjah government retirees' bank accounts."

Ahmed Shaaban Originally from Egypt, I have been in Dubai since December 2005. Before coming here, I worked as an English language instructor, chief En/Ar translator, proofreader, reporter in Egypt and Qatar. I have also worked as a reporter, correspondent and simultaneous translator with two satellite channels in Dubai. I have a masters degree in media, Cairo University, 2014, a bachelor degree in English language and translation, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 1996, and three post-graduate diplomas in English language and Instruction. With over 19 years of experience in translation, interpretation, EFL instruction, and reporting. I am interested in technology, aviation, politics, as well as community, parliament and defence issues. I enjoy reading, writing, exercising, and surfing the web.

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