In the multicultural context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), legal translation is one of the key components in guaranteeing acceptance, legitimacy and hence the acceptance of official documents, particularly marriage and divorce documents, across the linguistic and legal borders. The UAE hosts one of the most cosmopolitan populations with citizens, expatriates, and residents hailing across the world with a number of them originating in Arabic, French, and English speaking countries. Cases, like marriage and divorce which are all issues concerning individual status, translating and obtaining the legal certification of the documents may turn out to be a necessity and sometimes a requirement.
This blog contains the legal requirements of translating marriage and divorce certificates in UAE but with specific attention to three popular languages namely Arabic, French, and English.
Reasons Legal Translation is a must on Personal Status Documents in the UAE
One of the most tender legal papers that refer to the rights, duties, and conditions of an individual is marriage and divorce certificates. The legal system in the UAE is constructed in accordance with both the Sharia law and civil law, and all problems concerning personal status are meticulously examined. Legal translation means that the content of such documents is correctly and officially translated in one language to the other without changing their meaning or context.
The UAE authorities including the Ministry of Justice, courts and the Notary Public therefore insist that all foreign documents must either be in Arabic language or offer their attachment of the official Arabic translation. This is especially critical where the marriage is between other than Muslim partners, divorces between the partners of different nationalities, child custody, or registration of civil status.
The Official Language of the Courts being Arabic
UAE has Arabic as an official language which is applied in every judicial, legal and government activity. Any marriage or divorce certificate used abroad, English, French or otherwise, it is a necessity that an Arabic translation of the document be done in order to have it count as a legal document in the UAE.
The translation shall be initiated by a certified legal translator who is licensed by the Ministry of Justice in the UAE. One cannot be satisfied with unofficial or free translation or just pay attention to the stamp of the legal translator, to his/her signature and unique registration number on the document being translated. Also, it should frequently need to be testified by involved parties that will verify authenticity.
After completion and authentication of the Arabic translation, one may present it in local courts, immigration, or family registration department, depending on the legal procedure he or she is geared towards.
Legal Translation of French to Arabic UAE
English is widely spoken by expatriates such as the French, Belgians, Canada, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco and West African regions. In case, a marriage or divorce certificate is issued in French and concerned to be used in the UAE, it must be translated to Arabic language followed by submission to authorities.
The legal proceedings are no different when it comes to French to Arabic translations, the translator needs to be an official translator in the UAE, he should be certified by the Ministry of Justice. Furthermore, when the French original was issued abroad, it can be required that it be authenticated by the ministry of foreign affairs of the country in which it was issued, then the embassy of the UAE of that country. The document, in turn, should be attested within UAE to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) as well.
With such processes, it is guaranteed that the translated document can be substantially recognized in the UAE courts wherever required in family law, visas, and the registration of documents.
The demands of English Legal Translation
The most spoken languages and languages of use are English, an expatriate language used by residents of India, Pakistan, UK, the US, Australia and most African and Southeast Asian nations. Different embassies and consulates within the UAE welcome English-language documents to be used in internal procedures; in any case though, any document to be translated into courts or government establishments of the country must be professionally translated to Arabic language.
Similar to French, the English to Arabic translation will have to be undertaken by a licensed legal translator specialized in the UAE Ministry of Justice. It normally involves the notarization process and attestation of the original document depending on the country in which it was provided in by the corresponding country (including the foreign office in that country) as well as the MOFAIC of the UAE.
To take an example, wherein a divorce has been granted in the UK this would have to be notarized in the UK and then attested by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and this would then be authenticated in the UAE embassy in London. That is the only way in which it can be taken to the UAE to be translated into Arabic and attested by MOFAIC.
Typical problems and issues When it Comes to Translation
Terminological accuracy of marriage and divorce-related documents can be regarded as one of the most frequent problems of legal translation. Family law terms tend to be culturally defined and any mistranslation may create legal problems both in cases concerning custody or alimony or second marriage.
As an example, these countries can come out with what can be termed as a separation decree as opposed to a divorce certificate that is different. To give a correct translation, translators should be very conversant with the source and target law systems. That is why it is necessary to employ a certified legal translator who has family law experience.
Time sensitivity is another factor which needs to be considered. There are a lot of legal procedures like applying to get a visa, renewing residence, or applying to get remarried; these kinds of procedures often have deadlines. These processes may be put on hold when such inaccurate or incomplete translations are provided which lead to financial or emotional stress. Thus it is recommended that legal translation service seekers should seek the services as early as possible so that last minute hitches can be avoided.
Legal Translation Agencies in UAE
Since the requirements of regulation are rather severe in the UAE, legal translation must no longer be viewed as a formal process. Specialised translation agencies dealing with legal documentation are very useful in ensuring compliance, speed and accuracy.
These agencies also deal with multilingual staff usually with Arabic, French, and English language skills, and are conversant with the court requirements, formatting requirements and the attestation procedure.
They are also in a position to provide the following, end to end solutions, i.e. document attestation and notarization as well as certified legal translation and submission to authorities concerned. This simplifies the process, particularly to the expatriates who would be undertaking the process in the UAE system of laws that is unfamiliar to them.
Final Thoughts
Translating marriage and divorce certificates in the UAE does not only involve translating a document written in one language to another, since it is a legally required task that legitimizes your personal paperwork within the judicial system of the country. No matter what language your paperwork is in, whether in English, French or another, the documents must be professionally translated, certified by a trained translator, and frequently even undergo a series of attestations in order to be officially embraced.
Any person considering marrying, registering a divorce or any legal proceedings that would follow such a move should take note of the procedures required in the UAE so as not to complicate the situation unnecessarily. Your decision to hire the services of a good legal translator company can be the key difference in the likelihood that your documents become not only accurate but legally accepted by the UAE authorities.
