Yemen is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention or Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Convention countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).
Yemeni law, which follows Shari’a law, does not permit the adoption of Yemeni children in Yemen. U.S. citizens considering adoption of a Yemeni child must obtain guardianship for emigration and adoption in the United States from the Yemen court that has jurisdiction over the prospective adoptive child’s place of residence. Most guardianships that occur in Yemen are intra-familial and are done through the local court system. U.S. citizens who wish to obtain guardianship of a Yemeni child should contact the guardianship authority in Sanaa, Mr. Adel Al Sharabi, to inquire about applicable laws and procedures. Prospective adoptive parents should also refer to our information sheet on Adoption of Children from Countries in which Islamic Shari'a Law is Observed for more information.
U.S. citizen prospective adoptive parents living in Yemen who wish to adopt a child from the United States or from a third country should also contact Mr. Adel Al Sharabi (see contact information below).
Caution: Prospective adoptive parents should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children’s homes are adoptable. In many countries, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an orphanage or children’s home due to financial or other hardship, intending that the child return home when this becomes possible. In such cases, the birth parent(s) have rarely relinquished their parental rights or consented to their child(ren)’s adoption.
Please visit the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for more information on travelling to Yemen and contact the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa’s website for information on consular services.
YEMEN’S LEGAL GUARDIANSHIP AUTHORITY:
Mr. Adel Al Sharabi
Director of Social Protection
Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor
Tel: +967-261064 or 967-262808
Email: adbwan@yahoo.com
