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Saudi wives need husband's approval before travelling

JEDDAH, August 10, 2016

A married Saudi woman will not be allowed to travel, even with her father, without the permission of her husband, according to a new ruling.

The decision, which was unveiled by the Passports Directorate, states that a woman registered in the records of her husband is obligated to get permission from her husband before travelling as he is now the wife's guardian, Arab News reported.

Sheikh Abdullah Al-Manea, a member of the senior scholars’ council, welcomed the decision saying: "When a woman is married, she has to abide by the orders of her husband. The Passports Directorate’s decision to not to allow a woman to travel abroad, even if with her father, without the permission of husband, is the right approach."

"However, in the case of a wife who has requested divorce and it has yet not been decided, and the husband was not allowing her to travel abroad, then the matter should be solved through judicial means," he added.

Col. Ma’la Al-Otaibi, spokesman of the Passports Directorate of the Eastern Province, said: "When the husband’s name is added to the family card, it shows that he is the wife’s guardian and not the father. Therefore, it is mandatory for a married woman to get permission from her husband if she is traveling with her father."

The facility of getting travel permits is available on the Absher services of Jawazat, the report said.




Tags: Saudi | travel | Women |

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