Sinan and Nihala are not an isolated case. Social workers said there are many more such cases known to them but many families are not willing to come out and seek help.
"I know some cases. But they are too afraid to expose their children. But with the declaration of amnesty, I think many families will try to either leave the country or regularise the status," said Nasser Kanjanghad, a social worker based in Abu Dhabi.
Officials from Keralite community organisation Malayalee Samajam in Abu Dhabi said they are aware of a family in Baniyas with children not attending school.
"They are trying to leave the country by applying for amnesty. We are currently trying to help them with necessary documents," said T. A. Nasser, samajam president.
Most schools maintain they cannot accommodate children without valid documents. Schools have to submit valid and updated documents to relevant education authorities in each emirate. Children can be enrolled in schools in the UAE only if both parents submit valid residential visas and Emirates IDs. Children also need a valid visa, Emirates ID and an attested birth certificate to be eligible for admission.
anjana@khaleejtimes.com
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