The proposed new law governing the marriage of Saudi nationals to foreigners will permit Saudi women to marry non-Saudis born in the Kingdom to a Saudi mother or parents both of non-Saudi nationality, on the condition that prospective husbands have legal residence, birth certificates from the department of Civil Status, and have lived in the Kingdom for at least 15 years, sources have said. The 12-Article law, which is set to be discussed by the Shoura Council on Monday in a closed session attended by female Shoura advisers, bars ministers, Shoura members, and employees of the ministries of Defense and Interior, Saudi Intelligence Service, National Guard and military manufacturers from contracting marriage with non-Saudis. Government employees of Outstanding rank will also be barred. The sources said that breaches of the law would be penalized with fines of up to SR100,000, barring the non-Saudi spouse from entering the Kingdom, and the annulment of residency status and deportation if the spouse is already present in the country. The new laws are expected to replace rulings on marriage to non-Saudis dating back 38 years.
