| Federal Law No.17 of 1972 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Parliament of the United Arab Emirates | |
| |
| Enacted by | Government of the United Arab Emirates |
| Status: Current legislation | |
Emirati nationality law governs citizenship eligibility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).[1][2][3] The law is primarily jus sanguinis. Foreigners who meet certain criteria may be naturalized and granted citizenship.[4] Gulf Cooperation Council citizens are allowed to live in the UAE without restriction and have the right of freedom of movement.[5]
The Emirati nationality law is derived from the Federal Law No.17 of 1972 on Nationality and Passports, and is administered by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in each emirate.[6]
In general, birth in the United Arab Emirates does not, in itself, confer Emirati citizenship as its law utilizes the jus sanguinis principle of nationality law. Exceptions are made for foundlings and adopted children.
In 2022, a new federal law was enacted to allow unmarried mothers to be issued birth certificates for their children born in the UAE.[7]
The following persons are automatically Emirati citizens by descent:[8]
Children born to an Emirati father or an unknown or stateless father and an Emirati mother are Emirati citizens by descent, irrespective of the place of birth. Until 2017, children born to an Emirati mother and a foreign father could apply and receive Emirati citizenship once they reached age 18.[9][10] Since October 2017 an Emirati mother can now confer Emirati nationality to her children once they reach six years of age.[11]
A foreign woman married to an Emirati national may acquire citizenship provided that the marriage lasts for at least seven years with the condition of having at least one child, or ten years in the absence of children. The wife of a naturalized male citizen may also acquire Emirati citizenship.[8][12]
Naturalization is limited due to fears of loss of Emirati national identity and conservative culture, which are both considered under threat due to foreigners outnumbering native Emirati people eleven-to-one.[13]
Nationality is granted to a foreigner if they fulfill the following conditions and is:[8]
The residency requirements for Emirati citizenship may be waived:[8]
Any person who wishes to apply for naturalization has to be proficient in the Arabic language, has a legal source of income and has been in a continuous residence in the UAE, has an academic qualification, does not have a bad reputation, and has not been convicted of any crime. A person convicted for misdemeanor or dishonesty may apply on the condition of fulfilling recuperation or rehabilitation. A wife of an Emirati national does not need to have an academic qualification to be eligible for naturalization.[8]
Nationality is granted after:[8]
The right to vote or the right to a nomination for parliament or governmental authority is limited to Emirati citizens by descent. Nationality is only granted once.[8]
As per Human Rights Watch, many Emirati mothers have complained that the application process can be confusing and could take years for the authorities to respond. The amendments announced to UAE’s citizenship law in January 2021 are aimed to attract only the elite foreigners.[14]
Dual citizenship, which was earlier banned in the Emirates is permitted since 2021.[15][16] The UAE approved amendments in the Emirati Nationality Law to allow investors, professionals, special talents and their families to acquire the Emirati nationality and passport under certain conditions.[17][18]
The UAE's Prime Minister and ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated that this amendment to the law was made to attract and retain individuals with specialised skills including scientists, doctors, engineers, creative talent like artists and authors along with their families. Apart from a few common requirements, most requirements are field specific.
Doctors must specialise in unique disciplines or in disciplines which are highly sought after in the UAE. The applicant also need to have contributed to research of scientific value, have a practical experience of 10 years or more, and have obtained a membership to a notable organisation in their field of specialisation.[15]
A citizen by descent may lose Emirati citizenship if:[8]
A citizen by naturalization may additionally lose Emirati citizenship if:[8]
Citizens are allowed to voluntarily give up Emirati citizenship.
Renouncing citizenship is viewed as a shame within the Emirati community, as citizenship is usually attributed to the Emirati community sense of national identity, it is particularly hard to attain, and it entitles the holder various benefits.[19]
Subject to additional criteria, investors and professionals in healthcare, engineering, science and art are eligible for permanent residency. The permanent residency scheme will be overseen by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA)[20] and is expected to generate foreign investment, encourage entrepreneurship, and attract engineers, scientists and exceptional students.[21][22]
