The UAE has announced a new law that allows both Emiratis and resident expatriates to foster children of unknown parentage. Earlier, foster care was restricted to Emirati families or single Emirati women under specific conditions.
The Federal Decree-Law No. 12 of 2025 explains the eligibility criteria for a foster family. These include:
1. The husband and wife must live together in the UAE
2. Both spouses must be residents and at least 25 years old
3. Be free from infectious diseases or psychological disorders that may affect the child.
4. Must be able to support the child financially
5. Meet any additional conditions issued by the Ministry or local authority
6. Have no prior convictions involving honour or trust, even if rehabilitated.
A single woman may apply if she:
1. Resides in the UAE
2. Is unmarried, divorced, or widowed
3. Is at least 30 years old
4. Must be able to support the child financially
5. Meet any additional conditions issued by the Ministry or local authority
6. Have no prior convictions involving honour or trust, even if rehabilitated.
Applicants must submit a written agreement to provide a stable home environment for the child and refrain from interfering with the child’s legally recognised identity or personal beliefs.
Authorities will also take steps to ensure these conditions are met, including examining the child’s education and any other obligations set by officials. In addition, local authorities must provide all data, records, and statistics required to implement the decree and its regulations.
Violations of the rules or eligibility criteria will lead to the withdrawal of custody.