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UAE Issues New Foster Care Law to Protect Children of Unknown Parentage

Federal decree outlines custody conditions, eligibility for families and single women, and introduces stricter monitoring safeguards

  • Publish date: since 3 hours Reading time: two min read
UAE Issues New Foster Care Law to Protect Children of Unknown Parentage

The UAE government has issued a new federal decree law regulating foster care to strengthen protections for children of unknown parentage and clarify the responsibilities of custodial families.

Read More: UAE Introduces a New Law That Allows Non-Emiratis to Foster Children

Under the legislation, custody may be granted to families residing in the UAE, provided applications are submitted jointly by both spouses, who must each be at least 25 years old. The law emphasizes that custody decisions will be based on whether the family environment meets approved standards designed to ensure the highest level of care for the child.

The decree also outlines the legal framework governing foster care, detailing custodial families’ responsibilities toward a child’s education, health, and overall wellbeing. Authorities stressed that adoption or custody will only be approved if the household is deemed suitable and capable of providing a stable and supportive environment.

In a significant provision, the law allows single women over the age of 30 to be granted custody of a child of unknown parentage, provided they can demonstrate financial ability to support both themselves and the child.

Safety checks and oversight

The legislation introduces mechanisms for periodic monitoring and evaluation of custodial families to ensure ongoing compliance with approved care standards. These reviews are intended to safeguard children and confirm that custodial environments remain appropriate over time.

If authorities determine that custody conditions are no longer being met or that legal obligations have been breached, the law permits the removal of the child from the custodial family. In cases where a specialised committee finds that violations are not serious, it may instead impose a corrective plan that custodians are required to follow.

The new foster care law forms part of the UAE’s broader efforts to enhance child protection frameworks and ensure the welfare of vulnerable children across the country.

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