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FNC passes draft law regulating voluntary work in UAE

Abu Dhabi - The bill defines "voluntary work" as any individual or collective activity, free of charge or employment, aimed at benefitting others.

A new draft law on voluntary work was passed by the Federal National Council (FNC) on Wednesday.
The approved draft law on voluntary work coincides with the Year of Zayed and embodies the principles of giving, for which the Founding Father of the UAE is greatly remembered for.
"We aim to adhere to our leader's approach, and follow the path and footsteps of the founding leader," said Marwan bin Ghalaita, first vice-president of the council. The provisions of the law shall apply to volunteer work, volunteers, volunteer teams and voluntary organisers.
The bill defines "voluntary work" as any individual or collective activity, free of charge or employment, aimed at benefitting others.
The council said that the draft law aims to spread and encourage the culture of volunteering, while raising awareness of its importance and harmonising the outputs of voluntary work in the UAE.
The members also said that the approved draft law reflects on the government's directions and the national agenda, and promoting diversity and innovation in voluntary programmes and initiatives.
The exercise of voluntary work must be in accordance with the rules and conditions specified by the approved law and its executive regulations.
The draft law specifies that only Emiratis and UAE residents who are a minimum age of 18 years of age may volunteer.
The law also specifies that those below the age of 18 are still able to volunteer, but require the consent of their parents and/or guardians. Moreover, the law highlights that organisers of voluntary work are committed to providing health and safety requirements for volunteers and insurance of the volunteers during the exercise of voluntary work.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com