Many western expats from different parts of the world often consider to moving to Saudi due to the industry they belong to. For instance: Saudi is huge in the petrochemical industry which explains why many expats move to cities like Dammam. It is also ideal place for those expats who have a family or looking to start one.

In this article; we shed light on what is means for Saudi to join the HCCH Apostille convention and how expat couples can benefit from this new law.

What does Saudi joining the HCCH Apostille Convention mean?

Previously, any foreign document received from courts, notaries or public authorities needed special scrutiny and legalization from higher authorities in Saudi. This made the whole process of legalization time consuming and long.

Keep in mind with the changing times and to address this issue, Saudi Arabia has now signed the Hague Apostille Convention Abolishing the Legalization Requirement for Foreign Public Documents (“Convention”). This means that a apostille stamp issued by an foreign country would be considered as a sufficient proof for legalization and use in any other convention member countries.

Concluding on Saudi joining the Apostille Convention

With Saudi Arabia’s upcoming association agreement, this means that the convention applies between the two Apostille countries involved. An apostille is sufficient to certify the validity of a document, eliminating the need for double-certification, first by the origin country and then by the recipient countries. This update is likely to reduce difficulty, deliverability, and possibly cost for Saudi Arabia.

Currently we do not have much information on what this could mean for couples looking to marry outside Saudi Arabia in Apostille countries. However, once we have more updates, we shall disclose the same.

In a world where borders are increasingly blurred, love often transcends nationality and culture. Yet, for Saudi women, marrying a foreigner comes with legal, cultural, and social considerations.  

Can a Saudi woman marry a foreigner? The roadblocks: 

1. Legal Framework: In Saudi Arabia, marriage laws are governed by Islamic Sharia, which sets forth specific requirements and regulations. There are several different criteria that apply to Saudi residents wishing to marry foreigners. Permission from a Saudi court is typically required for a Saudi woman to marry a foreigner, and certain conditions must be met to obtain approval. 

2. Cultural and Social Norms: Saudi society places a high value on familial and tribal connections, and marrying outside one’s culture or nationality may be met with resistance or scrutiny. Saudi women considering marriage to foreigners may face social stigma, familial opposition, or societal pressure to conform to traditional norms. Navigating these cultural expectations while following one’s heart can be a challenging balancing act for Saudi women. 

3. Religious Considerations: Religion holds significant importance in Saudi culture, and many Saudi families prioritize finding partners who share their religious beliefs and values. Marrying a foreigner of a different faith may raise religious considerations and require discussions about religious practices, upbringing of children, and family traditions. Saudi women marrying foreigners must navigate these discussions with sensitivity and respect for both their own beliefs and those of their partners. 

4. Legal Implications: Marrying a foreigner can have legal implications for Saudi women, particularly in terms of residency, citizenship rights, and inheritance laws. Saudi women marrying foreigners may need to navigate complex legal processes, including obtaining visas, residency permits, and documentation for their foreign spouses. Understanding the legal implications of marriage is crucial for Saudi women to protect their rights and ensure legal recognition of their unions. 

How can Saudi women marry a foreigner more easily?

5. Support Networks: Building a support network is essential for Saudi women considering marriage to foreigners, especially if they face opposition or challenges from family members or society. Having a support system of friends, family, and community members who understand and respect their decisions can provide invaluable emotional support and guidance throughout the marriage process. 

6. Communication and Understanding: Effective communication and mutual understanding are key to navigating the complexities of intercultural marriage. Saudi women and their foreign partners must be willing to bridge language and cultural barriers, listen to each other’s perspectives, and compromise on differences. Cultivating a strong foundation of communication and empathy can help Saudi women build harmonious and fulfilling relationships with their foreign spouses. 

7. Embracing Diversity: Marrying a foreigner offers Saudi women an opportunity to embrace diversity and expand their horizons. Intercultural marriages can enrich individuals’ lives by exposing them to new perspectives, traditions, and experiences. Saudi women who choose to marry foreigners can celebrate the beauty of diversity and cultivate relationships that transcend cultural boundaries. 

8. By using methods such as online weddings, Saudi women can marry their partners even if they are not in the same country at the same time!

In conclusion, while marrying a foreigner as a Saudi woman may pose challenges, it also offers opportunities for personal growth, cultural exchange, and meaningful connections. By navigating legal requirements, addressing cultural norms, and fostering open communication, Saudi women can embark on a journey of love and discovery with their foreign partners, breaking cultural barriers and celebrating the diversity of human relationships. 

Marriage is the cornerstone of family life. As a safe country with a range of family-friendly facilities, there are many popular destinations for civil or Nikah weddings. It’s quite easy to get married here if you know the rules of that country. Both nationals and expats are required to meet certain legal requirements for marriage validity. Read on to know more about  what conditions Muslim expats choose civil marriage or Nikah?

Conditions Required for Nikah ceremony in Saudi Arabia

Muslim marriages anywhere in the Islamic countries are conducted according to Sharia provisions that apply to both expats and locals.

 In Saudia,  Islamic marriages take place when

• Both are Muslims.
• Both belong to Ahl al-Kitaab (People of the Book).

A Muslim marriage is conducted by authorised marriage officers (Mazoons), appointed by the Ministry of Justice. 

Conditions Required for Civil marriage in Saudi Arabia

Civil marriage is an easy way to get married for expats who exchange their vows with non-muslims or if you want to make your marriage valid worldwide. Here are some requirements that need to be met to the Saudi embassy:

• Both bride and groom must hold a valid residency permit and Iqama
• Written permission from the bride’s sponsor is required

• The terms and conditions of the marriage must be agreed upon by both spouses
• Both the bride and groom must agree to all the religious practices before getting married
• Saudi family courts will conduct both the marriage ceremony and the marriage license
• An approval letter with two witness signatures is required from the competent authority
• Pre-marriage medical test reports must also be submitted

• The bride’s and groom’s representatives must be present
• The bride’s guardian must also be present

Final Verdict on Civil VS Nikah 

Nikah is a beautiful way for pairing up Muslim couples only or they wish to live in Islamic countries. Nowadays, for Muslim expats who want to live in other countries or marrying with non-Muslims need marriage validity, a civil wedding is the best option for them. The religious couples can opt for either Nikah or civil ceremony. 

The Saudi government has diverse restrictions for Muslim expats who do not have a residence permit. Wedding ceremonies can be performed more easily in Georgia, Seychelles, or online.

Consult our highly professional team for advice on civil or nikkah ceremonies and make your marriage valid throughout the world.

The US-based Centre for Reproductive Studies reports that Saudi Arabia has some of the most permissive abortion laws in the MENA region. Abortion procedures can be performed for the mother’s physical or mental health under the Saudi legal code.

Points to Ponder Abortion laws in Saudi

According to the CRS, nearly 80% of women in the Middle East and North Africa live in countries that restrict abortions. The practise of abortion is generally illegal in Saudi Arabia, with only a very narrow exception. In order to obtain an abortion legally, a woman must be in grave danger of her health or life if the pregnancy poses a grave risk to her. If the fetus is older than four months, a panel of approved specialists will need to declare that the pregnancy will be fatal. Those seeking an abortion must have the consent of three physicians, as well as their husbands or guardians.

 What if you violate the laws?

A violator commits any other form of abortion on a woman will pay blood money to the unborn child’s family. The law explicitly prohibits abortion for families fearing financial instability or inability to provide an education for their children. Using abortion pills for sale is illegal and has resulted in arrests

Recommending the Key to Resolve the Issues for Pregnant Ladies

Living in an Islamic country as a pregnant Saudi woman before marriage can be challenging. Every Muslim country prohibits physical involvement before marriage. Choose Georgia, Seychelles or an online wedding keep the bond stronger with your love of life. 

Don’t run too long for marriage when you have the best choices around you. Book an appointment with our team today!