How to Obtain a Social Care Professional License in the UAE

Shahba Mayyeri -

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:

  1. Submission: Apply via the UAE Pass on the official website or visit a customer happiness center using an Emirates ID reader.
  2. Documentation: Submit all required documents to the administration.
  3. Review: The administration will forward the application to a review committee within 14 days.
  4. 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:

  1. Submission: Submit the application via email to the CDA after obtaining Dataflow verification.
  2. Examination: Take the professional licensing exam at the British University Dubai.
  3. Approval: Upon favorable test results and document review, the licensing committee will issue initial approval.
  4. 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:

  1. Submission: Apply through UAE Pass and submit the required documents.
  2. Preliminary Approval: Once received, complete the necessary procedures and pass the professional competency test at a certified center.
  3. 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