Latest news with #PersonalStatusLaw
Sharjah 24
14-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
The ‘Social Work Conference 15' kicks off
The first day of the conference included five informative sessions that covered important topics such as the role of artificial intelligence in social work, ways to strengthen family bonds, and updates on the new Personal Status Law. Al Mail highlighted, during his interview with 'Sharjah 24' that the sessions aimed to showcase the best social initiatives and included participation from experts across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. He also mentioned that training workshops would begin the following day, focusing on improving the skills of those working in the social sector to help them tackle challenges and enhance their work. In closing, Al Mail expressed his gratitude to all attendees and supporters for making the conference a success, emphasizing its role as a valuable platform for sharing knowledge and promoting social work in the region.
Hi Dubai
05-05-2025
- General
- Hi Dubai
UAE: How Muslim Women Can File for Khula and Start Divorce Proceedings in Dubai
Question: How can a Muslim woman in Dubai initiate a divorce if her husband refuses to start the proceedings, and what are the legal requirements for Khula? Answer: In Dubai, a Muslim woman who wishes to initiate a divorce can do so through the process of Khula, as outlined in the UAE's Personal Status Law. Khula allows a wife to seek divorce by offering compensation, usually the dowry, to her husband. According to Article 65 of the law, this separation occurs at the request of the wife and requires the husband's acceptance of the offered compensation. If the husband refuses the compensation without just cause, the court has the authority to enforce an appropriate amount. The compensation must come from someone legally competent to provide it and cannot waive the children's rights, such as maintenance or custody, as stipulated in Article 66. Additionally, Khula is only valid if both spouses are mentally and legally competent, according to Article 67. Once the compensation is agreed upon, Khula must be officially documented in court within 15 days, as per Article 68, and can be initiated through the Personal Status Court of Dubai. A conciliatory process follows, providing an opportunity for both parties to resolve the issue amicably. If reconciliation fails, the matter is referred to a judge for a final decision. Importantly, the wife is not entitled to financial maintenance during her waiting period (iddah) after the divorce, but she is entitled to stay in the marital home unless it is deemed unsuitable. This is outlined in Article 101 of the law. Women seeking Khula in Dubai should consider consulting legal counsel to guide them through the process. News Source: Khaleej Times
Gulf Today
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
New Personal Status law introduced in UAE, here are the details
The UAE has issued Federal Decree-Law No (41) of 2024, introducing the new Personal Status Law, which came into effect on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The key provisions and amendments in the new law stipulated that each spouse has an independent financial status. It guarantees the wife's freedom to manage her assets, and the husband cannot dispose of them without her consent. If, according to the law, one spouse contributes to the development of assets, establishment of a residence, or similar matters, he or she must consult the other party or heirs. For marriage conditions, the law clarifies marriage requirements to ensure the validity of the marriage contract, as follows: The legal marriage age is set at 18 years and the Cabinet may regulate exceptions for marriages below this age. Minors are empowered to handle marriage-related matters without requiring a legal guardian or trustee. The law also facilitates the transfer of marriage authority to the court, ensuring a woman's right to marry a man of her choice. If her guardian refuses to consent, the court assumes authority to approve the marriage. As for child custody and rights, the law prioritises the best interests of the child in custody arrangements, preventing post-divorce bargaining over custody rights. The custody age, according to the new amendments, is raised to 18 years for both males and females, unlike the previous law, which set it at 13 for females and 11 for males. Children aged 15 and above are granted the right to select which parent to live with. The law revises custody provisions for cases where the custodian is of a different religion than the child, leaving the decision to the court's discretion based on the child's best interests. This replaces the previous law, which ended non-Muslim mothers' custody at the child's age of five. The new law imposes penalties, including imprisonment or a fine ranging from Dhs5,000 to Dhs100,000, for misappropriating minors' funds, travelling with a child without permission, embezzling inheritance, or neglecting parental care or financial obligations. Concerning dowry provisions, the law states that the marriage contract may include an agreement to defer the dowry, in full or in part and if no deferral clause is included and no specific time is set for payment, the dowry must be paid upon request. The law also states that spouses are required to treat each other with kindness, fostering love and mercy, and avoid causing physical or emotional harm. Neither spouse may withhold marital relations or refuse to have children without the other's consent. In elaboration, the husband is obligated to provide fair maintenance and treat multiple wives equally in terms of treatment and financial support and the wife is obligated to obey her husband and breastfeed their children unless there is a valid religious reason not to. These amendments aim to modernise family law, enhance gender equality, and protect the rights of all family members, particularly children.
Hi Dubai
14-04-2025
- General
- Hi Dubai
UAE: Can a Woman Apply for Visa Sponsorship from Her Ex-Husband After Divorce?
Question: If my children and I live in Dubai under my husband's sponsorship, and we decide to get divorced, will he be required to continue sponsoring our residency in the UAE? What rights do I have in this situation, especially as a homemaker? Answer: When a woman living in the UAE on her husband's sponsorship gets divorced, the provisions of Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, which pertains to the Entry and Residence of Foreigners, provide some clarity. According to this regulation, the wife is entitled to apply for a one-year extension of her residency visa, starting from the official date of the divorce. This benefit extends to the children as well, provided they were previously under their father's sponsorship at the time of the divorce. This means that even after a divorce, you and your children can stay in the country for a year without the need for your husband's sponsorship. However, it's important to note that this residency extension does not guarantee permanent stay and may require further legal proceedings to adjust the status if you wish to remain in the country long term. You will need to consult with a legal expert to understand the full implications of your divorce on your residency status. Additionally, divorce in the UAE also involves several other aspects such as child custody, alimony, and child maintenance, which are governed by the UAE's Personal Status Law (UAE Federal Law No. 28 of 2005) and the Civil Personal Status Law (Federal Law No. 41 of 2022), particularly for non-Muslims. These laws determine financial and custodial responsibilities post-divorce, ensuring that the rights of both parties, especially those of children, are upheld. Given the complexity of divorce proceedings, it is advisable to seek legal advice and consult the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs to understand your full rights and responsibilities after the divorce, including the potential impact on your residency and financial support. In conclusion, while your husband is not required to continue sponsoring your residency after a divorce, you have the right to apply for a one-year visa extension for both yourself and your children. It's essential to act promptly and ensure you are well-informed about your rights and next steps in this legal process. News Source: Khaleej Times
Arab Times
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Ghana, Kuwait back peace, stability, sustainable development: envoy
KUWAIT CITY, April 7: Minister of Justice Nasser Al- Sumait has affirmed that the Kuwaiti-Ghanaian relations are longstanding, dating back to more than 50 years. He recalled the stance of Ghana during the brutal Iraqi invasion, its support for Kuwait, and its deployment of troops to participate in the liberation of Kuwait. Al-Sumait made the statement at the reception organized by the Embassy of Ghana on the occasion of the 68th anniversary of independence at the Crowne Plaza Hotel recently. Several ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions attended the event. He asserted 'we extend a hand of communication to them on this happy occasion and wish them success in all fields.' He also confirmed coordination with the Ministry of Interior regarding the special prison for civilians. Asked about the timing of the implementation of the Personal Status Law, he disclosed 'a committee has been formed for this purpose. It consists of distinguished judges, as well as the heads and directors at the Public Prosecution, with the assistance of specialists. The committee has started its work. We expect it to be ready within the coming months. The Personal Status Law has been reviewed in its entirety, including the stipulations on alimony.' On the introduction of new draft laws, he confirmed the comprehensive review of the legislative system in the country. 'Kuwait has 982 laws in force. Our goal in the first phase is to review 10 percent of these laws and divide them into stages -- from most to least important -- within a year. The political leadership issued a directive to fully support women and this will be reflected in all amendments.' On the other hand, Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to Kuwait Mohammad Habib Idris pointed out that Ghana and Kuwait share the fundamental values in terms of promoting peace, stability and sustainable development in various countries around the world. He continued, 'these principles led to the establishment of official diplomatic relations between the two friendly countries 51 years ago. These relations have continued to grow steadily, characterized by fruitful initiatives and constructive cooperation at the bilateral and multilateral levels.' He added 'this friendly relationship was clearly demonstrated in the meeting between former President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York in September 2024.' He pointed out that in the field of trade, Ghana is a market for Kuwaiti products, such as refined petroleum derivatives and industrial chemicals, while Kuwait imports various products from Ghana like gold, lumber, cocoa products, tropical fruits and edible nuts. Regarding food and aromatic oils, he indicated that global economic fl uctuations are a major incentive to strengthen economic cooperation between Ghana and Kuwait to protect their economies from external shocks. He added 'we are working hard with Kuwait to sign and implement a number of bilateral agreements and initiatives, most notably the agreement to protect and encourage investments, and the activation of the strategic partnership agreement signed by the two countries in July 2022 to finance projects in the fields of agriculture, education, health and entrepreneurship at a cost of KD20 million through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED). Political consultations will also be held between the two countries' foreign ministries in the coming days.' He highlighted bilateral cooperation in the field of development, explaining that Ghana has been benefiting from grants and loans provided by KFAED since 1977 -- totaling $177 million, for projects in the fields of power generation, and hospital and road construction. He revealed that 14 Kuwaiti charitable organizations are currently active in underprivileged Ghanaian communities; operating in the fields of health, education, drinking water provision, and mosque construction. He believes this is another evidence of the deep friendship between the two countries and their people.
