DUBAI Social care organisations that wish to work in Dubai have six months to register themselves with the Community Development Authority (CDA), a top official said.
Speaking to XPRESS, Omar Al Muthanna, CEO of the CDA’s social regulator and licensing sector, said: “As per Executive Resolution (9) of 2015 published in April 2015, companies have six months’ time to register themselves with us. Those found practising without a licence will be fined Dh20,000. Similarly, individuals working without a licence are liable to a fine of Dh2,000-Dh10,000.”
Closely monitor
He said despite the huge number of volunteers operating in Dubai, only 52 have registered themselves with the CDA so far. “With the new law coming into effect, this number should go up.”
He said CDA will closely monitor all establishments and individuals providing social services in Dubai. Widening its gambit from regulating social clubs, therapists, counsellors and special education teachers, the authority is now monitoring all establishments providing social care services in Dubai.
“We have introduced a new law to license facilities that provide such services in Dubai. They will have to abide by the standards and ethics set by us.”
“The main reason we are regulating this industry is because social care providers work with a vulnerable group of people. It’s important for us as a government body to guard against unqualified practioners,” he added.
Al Muthanna said professional care workers need to have a minimum masters degree qualification to register. “They also have to clock 40 hours of training in their field after getting a licence which is valid for two years from the date of issue.”
He said the regulatory body suspended activities of four social clubs and notified 21 others for violations. “Those suspended were conducting unauthorised activities. Violations included not conducting annual general meetings or meeting other requirements.”
