The UAE has introduced a significant legislation aimed at strengthening the protection and welfare of children of unknown parentage. Federal Decree-Law No.12 of 2025 Concerning Children of Unknown Parentage establishes a comprehensive legal framework governing the care, protection, registration, and fostering of such children within the UAE.
The law reflects UAE’s commitment to child welfare and social protection by ensuring that vulnerable children receive appropriate care, support and opportunities for development in a safe and nurturing environment. The law applies to children in need of care who are classified as “children of unknown parentage, referring to children whose biological parents are unknown or whose paternal lineage is unestablished.
One of the most notable aspects of the legislation is its broader and more inclusive approach to foster care. It reinforces the principle that the best interests of the child must remain the primary consideration in all decisions affecting their welfare. By extending eligibility to expatriates, non-Muslims, and non-nationals, the law expands the pool of potential foster families.
Scope of Federal Decree-Law No.12 of 2025
The law specifically applies to children of unknown parentage and regulates their procedure for registration, protection, care, and placement with foster families. It establishes the responsibilities of competent authorities in safeguarding the rights of these children and ensuring access to essential services including healthcare, education, social support, and legal documentation. The legislation also seeks to reduce the occurrence of abandoned or unregistered children by ensuring that every child is formally registered and provided with a legal identity.
The key objective of the institution is to create family based-care as an alternative for institutional care wherever possible. By creating a structured and coordinated framework, the legislation aims to provide long-term stability and support for vulnerable children while ensuring effective oversight by the relevant authorities.
Understanding Foster Care in the UAE
Unlike many jurisdictions, the UAE does not recognize the traditional form of adoption, instead it follows a foster care and family sponsorship model that allows children to be raised within family environments while preserving legal principles relating to identity and lineage.
This framework is created to provide children with the emotional support, stability, opportunities for healthy development while ensuring that their legal rights remain protected. Federal Decree-Law No.12 of 2025 makes this system effective by establishing clear procedures for foster placements and establishing safeguards to protect children without fostering process.
Foster Family Eligibility Requirements
The law sets out a specific eligibility criterion for individuals and families seeking to foster a child. Prospective foster caregivers must undergo assessment and approval by the competent authorities before a placement can be made.
Married Couples
A foster family must consist of a husband and a wife residing in the UAE. Both spouses must be residents of the country and satisfy the conditions prescribed:
To qualify, the couple must:
- Be at least 25 years of age,
- Have no convictions involving honour or trust,
- Be medically fit and free from infectious diseases or psychological conditions that may affect the child’s welfare,
- Demonstrate the financial ability that they possess to care for the child,
- Comply with any additional requirements imposed by the Ministry or relevant local authority.
Single Women
The legislation also permits a single woman to foster a child, provided she is unmarried, divorced, or widowed and resides in the UAE. The woman should satisfy the conditions mentioned:
Applicants must:
- Be at least 30 years of age,
- Have no convictions involving honor or trust,
- Be medically fit and capable of caring for the child,
- Demonstrate sufficient financial resources,
- Meet any additional federal or local requirements.
- All applicants must provide written undertakings confirming their commitment to create a stable and supportive environment for the child.
Monitoring and Supervision of Foster Placements
The competent local authority is responsible for conducting periodic reviews and assessments of foster placements. Social specialists may visit foster homes, evaluate the child’s living conditions, and monitor the child’s living conditions, and monitor the child’s education, health, and social development.
The law also provides established specialised committees and professional support mechanisms to assist in evaluating placements and addressing issues affecting the child’s welfare. Where concerns regarding the child safety or well-being arise, the competent authority may take appropriate protective measures, including intervention, corrective action, suspension of the placement, or reassessment of the foster placement.
Conclusion
Federal Decree-Law No.12 of 2025 represents a significant development in the UAE’s child protection framework. By establishing a comprehensive system for the registration, care, and fostering of children of unknown parentage, the legislation strengthens legal safeguards while promoting family-based care as a preferred solution for vulnerable children.
We at Ayesha Aldhaheri Advocates & Legal Consultants closely look after developments in family law, child protection, and social welfare legislation in the UAE. Our team regularly advises clients on family law matters, guardianship issues, foster care arrangements, and legal compliance.