Volunteering expats in Dubai now need permission to do good deeds

Expats heading to Dubai on reassignment are now prohibited from volunteering for community programmes and charity work unless they have official permission.

A strict new law introduced by Dubai’s ruler now forbid expats from volunteering for charity work and community programmes. The new legislation forces charities and community organisations to register
with Dubai authorities for permission to carry out any kind of voluntary or charity work. Volunteers are to be required to carry ID cards issued by the government as well as documenting all their activities. Before any volunteer work is taken on, application must be made to the Community Development Authority.

The new rules are an extension of the 2016 introduction of laws regulating fundraising and charitable work in Dubai, set up in order to control the collection of charitable donations. Fines and jail terms are to be handed down to unauthorised donation collectors, with fundraising activities now forced to link with government-registered charities including the Dubai Red Crescent. Organisers of charitable events will need to specify the nature and category of volunteering activities as well as training the volunteers. Records including names, personal details, types of work done and hours worked will need to be kept, and must be entered on the CDA database.

Organisers must now provide safety equipment, injury insurance coverage and required tools as well as ensuring all volunteers have signed the CDA agreement stating the relationship between the organiser and the volunteer. Those under 18 years of age must submit a form signed by their legal guardian giving permission to volunteer. All expat volunteers have to register with the CDA and must be physically fit and have a record of ‘Good Conduct’. Formerly, British expat Scott Richards was arrested by Dubai police for fundraising to help a village in Afghanistan, although he was later released without being charged.