The UAE places significant emphasis on regulating and professionalizing social care professions, ensuring that practitioners meet stringent standards. The process for obtaining a social care profession license varies slightly between Sharjah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Generally, it involves submitting a thorough application, providing extensive documentation, and passing a series of evaluations.
Sharjah
Application Process:
- Submission: Apply via the UAE Pass on the official website or visit a customer happiness center using an Emirates ID reader.
- Documentation: Submit all required documents to the administration.
- Review: The administration will forward the application to a review committee within 14 days.
- Committee Decision: The committee will review the application and issue a decision within another 14 days.
Required Documents:
- Valid passport copy, family book, and Emirates ID for Emiratis.
- Valid passport, residency proof, and Emirates ID for residents.
- Accredited academic qualifications and transcripts.
- Equivalency report for degrees obtained outside the UAE.
- Scientific experience certificates (last two years).
- Verification report from Dataflow.
- Good conduct certificate.
- Additional documents may be requested.
Conditions:
- Full legal capacity and no criminal record related to honor or honesty.
- Non-citizens must have a valid residence permit from their current employer.
- Pass an evaluation test by the committee.
- Non-citizens must complete a 5-hour course on UAE customs and culture.
Fees:
- License application: Free
- Evaluation test: AED 1,000
- License service fee: AED 300
- License card issuance: AED 100
Dubai
To practice social care in Dubai, professionals must obtain a license from the Community Development Authority (CDA), valid for two years. Eligible professionals include social workers, social counselors, behavioral analysts, psychologists, and special education teachers.
Application Process:
- Submission: Submit the application via email to the CDA after obtaining Dataflow verification.
- Examination: Take the professional licensing exam at the British University Dubai.
- Approval: Upon favorable test results and document review, the licensing committee will issue initial approval.
- Final Steps: Submit an employment contract, take an oath, and receive the license via email.
Required Documents:
- Passport copy, CV, highest academic degree, CDA application form, and authorization letter.
- Experience letter (last three years) and professional license (if available).
- After training, submit additional documents, including academic degrees, transcripts, equivalency report, Good Conduct Certificate, Dataflow report, and training certificate (if applicable).
Conditions:
- Must be a UAE resident with full civil capacity.
- Must have a clean legal record, with no convictions for moral turpitude or dishonesty.
- Must meet any additional requirements set by the CDA.
Fees:
- The service is free in Dubai.
Abu Dhabi
Professionals seeking to practice in Abu Dhabi must apply for a one-year license from the Department of Community Development via the TAMM website.
Application Process:
- Submission: Apply through UAE Pass and submit the required documents.
- Preliminary Approval: Once received, complete the necessary procedures and pass the professional competency test at a certified center.
- Final Approval: Upon successful test completion and document verification, the license will be issued.
Required Documents:
- Copy of the first two pages of the passport and a passport-sized photo.
- Equivalency report of the academic certificate from the Ministry of Education.
- Attested educational certificates and transcripts.
- Introduction letter, CV, experience certificate, and good conduct certificate from the employer.
- Police clearance certificate and any available social care professional licenses.
- Valid residence permit for non-citizens.
Fees:
- The service is free in Abu Dhabi.
This streamlined process ensures that social care professionals in the UAE are well-qualified and meet the necessary standards to provide high-quality care, thereby contributing positively to the well-being of the community.
News Source: Khaleej Times
