UAE Law Clarifies Fostering and Custody Rules for Expat Families and Women
The UAE has issued a new federal decree-law clarifying custody and fostering pathways for children of unknown parentage, expanding eligibility to include expatriate families and qualifying single women under clearly defined conditions.
Federal Decree-Law No. 12 of 2025 establishes a comprehensive legal framework governing the care, protection, and upbringing of such children, with the “best interests of the child” reaffirmed as the central principle guiding all decisions. The amendments outline eligibility criteria, custodial responsibilities, oversight mechanisms, and enforcement measures to ensure safe and supportive family environments.
Under the decree-law, families residing in the UAE, including expatriates, may apply for custody provided both spouses jointly submit an application and are at least 25 years old. Additional residency and custodial requirements will be detailed in executive regulations to ensure approved environments meet established care standards.
The law also introduces a separate custody pathway for eligible women residing in the UAE. Female applicants must be at least 30 years old and demonstrate financial stability sufficient to support both themselves and the child. This provision expands foster care options while maintaining safeguards that prioritise child welfare.
Custodial families and women custodians are subject to defined obligations, including ensuring access to education, healthcare, and psychological support. The framework also mandates compliance with regulations designed to protect the child’s identity, dignity, and privacy.
Oversight and enforcement are central to the amended law. A specialised committee will conduct periodic monitoring and evaluations to ensure continuity and quality of care. Where custody conditions are breached or no longer met, authorities may revoke custody. In cases remembered as non-serious violations, custodians may be required to implement corrective measures within specified timelines.
According to the government, the decree-law reflects the UAE’s ongoing commitment to strengthening child protection legislation, empowering families, and promoting justice, compassion, and equal opportunities for children’s growth and development.
