UAE Government Amends Federal Decree-Law To Enhance Protections For Children Of Unknown Parentage

The UAE Government has introduced Federal Decree-Law No. (12) of 2025, amending provisions for children of unknown parentage. This move highlights the UAE's dedication to enhancing child protection and prioritising the child's best interests in care and custody decisions. The law aligns with efforts to improve child welfare laws, ensuring a supportive family environment that meets children's psychological, educational, health, and social needs.

The amendments allow custody to be granted to families living in the UAE under specific conditions. Both spouses must apply together and be at least 25 years old. These criteria ensure maturity and responsibility, providing a stable environment for the child's development. The executive regulations will detail residency conditions, ensuring custodial standards are met.

In line with promoting women's social roles, the amendments permit eligible women residing in the UAE to gain custody of children of unknown parentage. Women must be at least 30 years old and financially capable of supporting themselves and the child. This empowers women to take on family care roles while prioritising the child's best interests.

The decree-law establishes a framework regulating custodial families' roles, covering education, health, and psychological support responsibilities. It ensures compliance with rules protecting the child's interests, privacy, and identity. This comprehensive system aims to provide integrated care for these children, safeguarding their rights and enabling positive societal integration.

A specialised committee will periodically monitor custodial families and women custodians to ensure quality care continues. If custody conditions are unmet or legal obligations breached, the child may be removed from the custodian's care. For non-serious breaches, a corrective plan may be implemented within specified timelines to maintain a safe environment.

The amendments reflect the UAE's commitment to justice, compassion, and family empowerment principles. They aim to provide dignified care for children of unknown parentage, facilitating their integration into society with equal growth opportunities within stable family settings.

This legislative change is part of an integrated approach to protect children's rights in the UAE. It seeks to improve their quality of life and secure a better future for upcoming generations while reinforcing the UAE's status as a global leader in social protection and humanitarian care.

With inputs from WAM