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Showing posts with label #UAEHR. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #UAEHR. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Sharjah Extends Probation: A New Era for Government Employees

Sharjah, UAE - July 29, 2025 - In a significant move highlighting its commitment to performance and talent retention, the Emirate of Sharjah has reportedly extended the probation period for its government employees to nine months. This development, flagged as an "alert" in today's Khaleej Times, signifies a specific local policy refinement that aims to provide a more comprehensive assessment period for new hires within the Sharjah government sector.

While the exact details of today's announcement are emerging, this local directive from Sharjah builds upon existing frameworks for public sector employment in the UAE, which have historically allowed for longer probationary periods than the private sector.

Federal Context: A Look at Existing Laws

It's crucial to understand this against the backdrop of broader UAE labour legislation:

  • UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (Private Sector): This is the overarching law governing the private sector in the UAE. It explicitly sets a maximum probation period of six months. This law aims to standardize employment practices and ensure fair treatment, with clear guidelines for termination and notice periods even during probation.
  • Federal Law by Decree No. (49) of 2022 on Human Resources in the Federal Government: This law, which came into effect on January 2, 2023, governs human resources in the federal government. It stipulates that an employee appointed for the first time shall be subject to a probationary duration of six months, which "can be extended for a similar period if the employee performance during the first period is low." This effectively allows for a potential probation period of up to 12 months for federal government employees, depending on performance. This provision has been in place for some time, with reports dating back to 2018 also mentioning the possibility of extending probation for federal employees to up to nine months.

Sharjah's Latest Move: A Local Emphasis

Today's alert in Khaleej Times regarding Sharjah's new nine-month probation period indicates a direct and possibly standardized policy within the Sharjah government. This isn't necessarily a contradiction of federal law, but rather an application or specific implementation of the flexibility allowed for government entities to manage their human resources.

The extension to nine months for Sharjah government employees suggests an emphasis on:

  • Thorough Assessment: A longer period allows for a more in-depth evaluation of an employee's skills, adaptability, and cultural fit within the government department.
  • Performance Development: It provides more time for new employees to acclimatize to their roles and for managers to provide guidance and feedback, potentially leading to better long-term retention.
  • Strategic Talent Management: By extending the probationary window, Sharjah may be aiming to ensure that only the most suitable and high-performing individuals are confirmed into permanent government roles, aligning with the emirate's vision for efficient public service.

This decision underscores Sharjah's proactive approach to human resource management within its public sector, aiming to foster a robust and high-performing workforce dedicated to the emirate's progress. New and prospective government employees in Sharjah should be aware of this extended assessment period as they embark on their careers within the emirate's public service.

 #SharjahGovt,  #UAEHR,  #ProbationPeriod  #GovernmentJobs

 

⚠️ Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and not legal advice. For specific guidance, please consult a UAE legal professional.