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Child has no birth certificate
A reader in Dubai asks: I gave birth to a child a year and a half ago, but I learned recently my husband never applied for a birth certificate for the child. Since my husband has left us I want to return home but I need a birth certificate for my child. Can I get one and will there be any penalties?
I advise the reader to file a case against her husband to prove he is the father of the child, and compel him to obtain a birth certificate. When the sentence is passed, a birth certificate can be issued and if there are any fines, the father must pay them.
With regard to expatriate newborns the grace period for obtaining a residence visa is four months from the date of birth. If this period elapses without obtaining a residence visa, the child's parent or legal guardian has to pay a fine. If the fine is not paid, the offenders shall be punished by not more than three months' imprisonment or a fine not exceeding Dh4,000.
Question answered by Advocate Mohammad Ebrahim Al Shaiba of Al Bahr Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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