UAE: Major HR policy changes for Sharjah government employees in 2025, what you need to know

TL;DR

• Probation periods extended from 6 to 9 months, with a possible 3-month extension.
• New job grades created for Emiratis and children of Emirati mothers.
• Clear structures introduced for hiring, job descriptions, and internal HR committees.

The Sharjah Executive Council has approved a major overhaul of the human resources policies that affect all government employees in the emirate. These changes aren’t just small tweaks, they reshape how public sector hiring, evaluation, and internal governance will work going forward.

Under Decree-Law No. (2) of 2025, the new regulations aim to make government jobs in Sharjah more efficient, fair, and inclusive. Whether you're applying for a government role or already working in one, there’s a lot here that will affect how your job is structured and managed.

From longer probation periods to better support for Emiratis and people of determination, these rules are part of a broader effort to build a more capable and accountable workforce. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new, what it means, and why it matters.


1. Longer Probation for New Hires
The probation period for new government employees has now been extended from six months to nine months. In some cases, this period can be extended by another three months, with approval from the hiring department.

Why this matters: This gives departments more time to assess performance before confirming employment. It also gives new hires a fair window to adjust and demonstrate their skills. This move is especially designed to support Emirati job seekers by giving them a realistic chance to prove their value.


2. Job Priority for Emiratis and Their Children
Sharjah’s new HR law puts a clear focus on hiring UAE nationals and children of Emirati mothers. New job grades have been created specifically for these candidates.

What this means: As long as they meet the required qualifications, Emiratis will be prioritized for roles. It’s not just about quotas, it’s about building local capacity and supporting sustainable employment for UAE citizens.

This is a deliberate push to make the public sector more inclusive of national talent, in line with broader Emiratisation goals across the UAE.


3. Standardized Job Titles and Structures Across Departments
All government entities in Sharjah now need to prepare and submit official organizational structures for approval. A new, centralized manual will define job descriptions, responsibilities, and titles.

What to expect:

• Uniform job titles and responsibilities
• Clear pay grades
• Central oversight by the Human Resources Department

This helps avoid confusion and ensures that similar roles across departments are treated consistently.


4. Better Inclusion for People of Determination
There are now clear steps that must be followed when hiring people of determination. Government departments must ensure the process is fair and respectful, and not just a formality.

Why it matters: This helps open up more real opportunities for people with disabilities. It also reflects Sharjah’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion, not just in law but in daily work life.


5. New Internal Committees for Fairness and Oversight
Sharjah is introducing several internal HR committees to make sure government departments stay accountable and organized.

Here are the main ones:

Disciplinary Committee – Handles workplace violations and misconduct.

Grievances & Complaints Committee – For employee concerns and internal conflicts.

Emergency & Crisis Committee – To respond to disruptions affecting government work.

Supreme HR Committee – A high-level body that reviews HR policies and cases.

Each committee must include at least three members, ensuring balanced decision-making.


Why These Changes Matter
This isn’t just a policy refresh. It’s a shift toward a more organized, fair, and inclusive public sector. These changes are expected to:

• Improve hiring practices and employee retention
• Support young Emiratis and underrepresented groups
• Bring clarity to roles, expectations, and job structures
• Strengthen internal accountability
• Encourage professionalism across government offices

In the words of Sharjah’s Deputy Ruler, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the goal is to improve how departments function while protecting worker rights and boosting productivity.

FAQs

1. Do these changes affect current government employees?
Yes. While some parts (like the probation rule) apply to new hires, others, such as committee structures and job descriptions, will affect all staff.

2. How does the new job classification system work?
It introduces a centralized manual that defines job titles, descriptions, and grades. All departments will need to follow it for consistency.

3. What’s the benefit of the longer probation period?
It gives employers more time to assess new hires and helps employees settle in and show what they can do, especially younger Emiratis.