Unmarried mothers in the UAE can now apply to receive birth certificates for their babies, as part of a new law that came into effect in October.
The new federal law, which was introduced by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, under decree number 10-2022 regulating the registry of birth and death in the UAE, recognises the rights of single mother to register their children without the requirement of a father or a marriage certificate.
The new law is applicable across all the seven emirates.
Here is what unmarried UAE mothers can do to obtain a birth certificate if their children are born out of wedlock.
Applying for a UAE birth certificate for children with single mothers
As per the new law, which was passed in October 2022, unmarried mothers can fill out a form via the official Abu Dhabi Judicial Department website.
However, the mother must prove the birth of the child and should also declare the father is not known.
The mother can register her baby(s) under her name and fill out the form providing her address and contact details. She must also attach her Emirates ID and passport copy.
Completed forms and supported documents can be then submitted to any of the typing centres in shopping malls or via email to the [email protected]
Within 48 hours, the mother receives the court order allowing her to obtain a birth certificate for her baby.
Applying for a UAE birth certificate for children with unmarried parents
In 2021, Abu Dhabi established a law allowing unmarried couples to register for their children’s birth certificate, as long as the father was known.
According to the official Abu Dhabi Judicial Department website, “a declaration of parentage and a court order through Abu Dhabi Judicial Department is all it takes for the couple to obtain the child’s birth certificate under Abu Dhabi’s new civil family law,” in such cases.
The parents, will have to fill out and sign a form that can be downloaded from the court’s website. The parents must also sign a declaration at the end of the application form which confirms they are the biological parents of the child.
Once completed, the parents will have to submit the application, attaching a document to prove the birth. In case the child was born at home, the parents must then mention home birth in the form. Additionally, a copy of the father’s Emirates ID and passport should also be attached on submission.
The need for such a law is essential, as it prioritises the child, irrespective of the circumstances he or she was born in. Without a birth certificate in the UAE, a child will not be able to receive an education or proper medical care.
The new secular law only applies to non-Muslims, and also Muslims from countries such as US and the UK, which do not apply the Sharia law.
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