Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Justice has introduced a new framework allowing courts to review and potentially legalize marriages between Saudi citizens and foreign nationals that were conducted without prior official approval.
Under the new system, cases involving unpermitted marriages will be handled by Civil Status Courts to stabilize families, resolve related legal issues, and formally document marriages in compliance with the Civil Status Law.
The Ministry of Justice explained that the process applies specifically to marriages concluded without authorization from the relevant authorities. Applications to validate such marriages will be referred to the competent department within the Ministry, which will coordinate with the Ministry of Interior to determine whether the marriage can be notarized.
If the Ministry of Interior confirms approval by the authorized authority, the case will be forwarded to the court for consideration and adjudication according to applicable laws. If approval is denied, the court will declare the case inadmissible, and the marriage will not be formally recognized.
The Ministry stressed that the framework is designed to regulate documentation procedures while preventing violations of the rules governing marriages between Saudis and non-Saudis.
It also clarified that the new rules do not affect courts’ ability to hear cases related to rights arising from marriage, such as alimony, divorce, inheritance, or lineage, which will continue to be addressed under existing laws.
