Its time for expats to breathe a sigh of relief; because pregnancy out of a wedlock is no longer a crime.

WHAT DID THE PREVIOUS LAWS ABOUT BEING PREGNANT BEFORE MARRIAGE STATE

According to the previous rules, having a baby outside a wedlock was considered to be a serious offense and individuals could face some serious consequences for these actions.

UAE law does not allow any kind of sexual relationship out of marriage.  “Therefore, it is a crime to have any sexual relationship without marriage.  The punishment is different from act to act.  Having babies out of wedlock is a crime.  There’s also a problem when people get married after the woman is pregnant just because they are relocating to the UAE.”

The Gulf News, 2013

However due to the laws of the UAE; this was considered to be taboo and punishable offense which witnessed the rise of court cases against expats. This led to outraged individuals and working professionals who were faced were serious consequences some of which even had to flee away from the UAE.

Dubai is known to be the home of the expats and despite being an Islamic country this hasn’t stopped individuals from western countries from starting their life there. It is very normal when you live in a country you are bound to meet someone, fall in love and sometimes expected things happen such becoming pregnant.

A CHANGE IN THE FAMILY LAWS AGAINST UNEXPECTED PREGNANCY

The new laws of Nov, 2020 has allowed individuals more liberty to express their personal freedom by loosening the restrictions on alcohol consumption and giving unmarried couples the liberty to cohabitate with their partner despite living in an Islamic country.

To add to it, if couples are expecting their child outside a wedlock they do not need to leave the UAE and can also get a birth certificate issued to make matters simpler. Previously a marriage certificate would need to be given to the authorities which is no longer needed. The law also states new born child will also be granted the right to healthcare services and education like any other baby being in the UAE.

BASICALLY, THE ACT OF CONSENSUAL SEX OR PREGNANCY OUT OF WEDLOCK IS NO LONGER A CRIME AS PER THE AMENDED LAW AND ACCORDING TO FEDERAL DECREE 15 OF 2020

LOVIN DUBAI, 2020

According to the times.co.uk, Mr. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed; the Minister of Presidential Affairs who is also the Deputy Minister signed the legal order.

TO CONCLUDE ABOUT BEING PREGNANCY BEFORE MARRIAGE IN THE UAE

Given the number of increasing expats living in the UAE, the government has stated that these new reforms are brought in to provide a conducive and nurturing environment for couples who happen to expect a baby outside a wedlock.

Which means if you are living in the UAE, and if you happen to get pregnant; unlike previously; you need not consider leaving the UAE. You could now be able to live as normal as a life if you were expecting a baby in our home country.

“I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER FOR THESE NEW LAWS THAT ARE PROGRESSIVE AND PROACTIVE,” SAID EMIRATI FILMMAKER ABDALLAH AL KAABI, WHOSE ART HAS TACKLED TABOO TOPICS LIKE HOMOSEXUAL LOVE AND GENDER IDENTITY.

“2020 HAS BEEN A TOUGH AND TRANSFORMATIVE YEAR FOR THE UAE,” HE ADDED.

NEW INDIAN EXPRESS, 2020

It is crucial to note that although the UAE has eased down with the new family laws for unmarried couples and unexpected pregnancy; abortion and homosexuality are still against the rules.

If you would know of anyone who is confused about the current guidelines of pregnancy before marriage in the UAE; free to share this article with them