Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH —The Ministry of Justice has finalized arrangements for hearing cases to validate marriage contracts that were concluded between Saudis and foreigners without obtaining the required permission from the relevant Saudi authorities.

According to the procedures, marriage contracts between Saudi and foreign nationals that were conducted without obtaining a permit will be processed in the Civil Status Courts. This new decision aims to stabilize families and address certain issues and problems related to the couple, as well as to legally document marriages and their associated procedures according to the mechanisms established by the Ministry of Justice, in accordance with the Civil Status Law.

The Ministry of Justice has approved the new procedures in accordance with the regulations governing marriages of Saudis with non-Saudis. These procedures aimed to regulate documentation processes and prevent violations of established regulations. The competent department at the Ministry of Justice shall be notified about the request to establish a marriage contract and shall correspond with the Ministry of Interior to take whatever action it deems appropriate regarding this request.

If the Ministry of Interior confirms that the authorized official has approved the notarization of the marriage contract, the request shall be referred to the court for consideration and adjudication in accordance with the relevant legal provisions.

If the Ministry of Interior confirms that the authorized official has not approved the notarization of the marriage contract, the court shall rule the claim inadmissible, and a claim to complete the procedures in accordance with the provisions of the regulations shall not be accepted.

The provisions of these arrangements shall not prejudice the hearing of claims related to rights arising from a marriage contract, whether between one spouse and the other, or between one or both spouses and a third party, including claims for alimony, divorce, inheritance, lineage, and other matters, according to the new regulations.