This article has been reviewed and fact-checked by Wego’s editorial team.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) of the United Arab Emirates has announced a significant update to the Golden Visa program, extending eligibility to distinguished volunteers. Wego has learned that this decision aims to recognize and incentivize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to humanitarian causes and community service within the UAE.
Under the new guidelines outlined by the ICP, individuals who have made substantial contributions to volunteerism, either through dedicated service hours or significant financial support, now have the opportunity to apply for the prestigious UAE Golden Visa. This visa permits residency for up to 10 years and offers a pathway for long-term residence in the country.
The eligibility criteria, as specified by the ICP, include several categories:
- members of international and regional organizations or distinguished workers within them, with a minimum service period of five years
- members of public benefit associations and institutions or distinguished workers within them, with a minimum service period of five years
- recipients of appreciation awards from local, regional, or international institutions specialized in humanitarian work
- distinguished volunteers in the field of humanitarian work, with a service period of not less than five years or a minimum of 500 volunteer hours
- financial supporters of humanitarian work with a contribution value of no less than 2,000,000 million AED or its equivalent
This update reflects the UAE’s commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of volunteers in fostering social cohesion and addressing pressing societal needs. It also underscores the government’s dedication to promoting a culture of philanthropy and community engagement.
Individuals interested in applying for the Golden Visa under the new volunteer category are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and submit their applications through the designated channels provided by the ICP. This initiative serves as a testament to the UAE’s ongoing efforts to honor and support those who dedicate their time and resources to making a positive impact on society.
For those interested in volunteering opportunities, the following platforms offer various ways to engage in and provide community service within the UAE:
- Volunteers.ae
- Emirates Red Crescent
- the National Volunteer Program for Emergencies, Crises and Disasters
- the Dubai Volunteering Center
- the Sharjah Volunteering Center
- Dubai Cares
- the Authority of Social Contribution (Ma’an).
