The authorities have warned the public that they will face a fine of AED 50,000 and a jail for mistreating the senior citizens.
The Public Prosecution has reminded people of the UAE’s Senior Citizens law under which penalty of a jail and a fine of up to AED 50,000 has to be imposed on the offenders.
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Emiratis who are 60-years-old or over are entitled to full medical, financial and educational care and must be registered on a dedicated database.
The Federal Law No 9 of 2019 preserves the rights of older people after it was announced in 2019. Elderly people have to be provided with decent housing and protected from violence and abuse.
The families are required to acknowledge senior citizens’ rights to independence, privacy, and confidentiality of the information and help run their finances.
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With regard to government transactions, facilities, social aid, and medical services, older people have the right to preferential treatment.
In case of death of a senior member or change in their home address or in the event of difficulty faced by the family the Ministry of Community Development, elderly care centers, police and other relevant departments have to be duly informed.
The UAE prosecution has said those who neglect their duties toward senior citizens can face prison and fines between AED 10,000 and AED 50,000 or both and the punishments also apply to elderly care institutions that violate the law. (AW)
