Three dedicated expatriates in the UAE were recently honoured with the prestigious Golden Visa for their exceptional contributions to the community through volunteering. The recipients — Indian, Ugandan, and Filipino — have each invested hundreds of hours volunteering at various events, providing crucial support during occasions like Ramadan food distributions and assisting passengers at the Dubai Metro.
Volunteering for Golden Visa: A Growing Trend
Volunteering has become a pathway for many expats in the UAE to secure long-term residency through the Golden Visa programme. This unique initiative, designed to recognise individuals who contribute significantly to UAE society, extends a 10-year residency to those who go above and beyond in their service.
One of the recent Golden Visa recipients, Arshad Junaid, a 32-year-old sales executive from India, shared his journey of accumulating over 1,000 hours of volunteer service. From his first steps in 2018, to now holding his 10-year residency card, Junaid’s story highlights the growing opportunities for expats in the UAE to give back and be rewarded.
Expats in the UAE, like Junaid, have increasingly found volunteering to be a rewarding endeavour, both personally and professionally. Despite the challenges, such as dedicating unpaid time while juggling work, volunteers report a sense of fulfilment. For Junaid, volunteering has become a hobby, with added perks like meeting prominent figures and leaders.
“I encourage other UAE residents to join the volunteer teams. It’s a new journey every week,” Junaid said, urging others to explore opportunities for volunteering in the UAE.
So, volunteering in the UAE offers a gateway to not only make a difference but potentially qualify for the coveted Golden Visa.
