The United Arab Emirates government has issued a federal decree amending legislation regarding children of unknown parentage, in an effort to strengthen the social protection system and uphold the best interests of the child.

Main Features of the New Amendments

At the heart of these changes lies a clear goal: to improve safeguards for abandoned children while ensuring that their "best interests" guide all decisions about guardianship. The revisions permit resident families in the UAE to apply for custody, provided both spouses file jointly and each is at least 25 years old.

In addition, resident women who are over 30 and financially capable of supporting themselves and a child may also be eligible to foster children whose parentage is unknown. The regulations stipulate that foster applicants must reside within the country, with specific requirements set out in executive bylaws designed to ensure consistency with national childcare standards.

The amended law introduces ongoing monitoring mechanisms for families and individual women caring for these children. A designated committee will regularly assess and support caregivers to guarantee sustained quality in child welfare.

If a foster family or woman fails to maintain required standards or breaches legal obligations, authorities have the right to withdraw custody. In cases where infractions are deemed minor by the committee, a corrective plan can be drawn up. The caregiver must then comply with measures laid out by officials under clearly defined terms.