When it comes to a Saudi marrying a foreigner government permission is required and the marriage must be approved, recognized and registered with the government in order for the couple to have full rights and benefits. If the Saudi wishes for his wife or her husband to live or travel to the Kingdom it is essential to have a sanctioned approved marriage. Otherwise, among other things, the husband would not be viewed as a legal ‘mahrem’ (guardian) and therefore prohibited from being publicly together. Even if a couple marries outside the Kingdom they should still want the marriage registered with the Saudi courts for inheritance reasons as well as other rights. Saudis who wish to marry a foreign spouse are supposed to obtain government approval PRIOR to the marriage. In numerous cases it does not work out that way. Many couples face difficulties and rather than be apart or “live in sin” they will marry either in an Islamic, civil or other type of marriage ceremony without waiting for the official government approval. However, until government approval is obtained and the spouse has an iqama which identifies the Saudi spouse as the sponsor, forget about coming to the Kingdom.
There are many Saudis with a foreign spouse who are not living together in the Kingdom. The Saudi spouse may be in the Kingdom and make frequent (or infrequent) visits to whatever country the wife (or in rare cases, the foreign husband) is living. In many cases the spouse will reside in neighboring Bahrain while waiting for the approval so that the Saudi husband can see his wife and children more often. He can also bring his parents and other family members to Bahrain to meet his wife and children as he cannot bring her into the Kingdom. In other cases the Saudi spouse will choose to live outside of the Kingdom if his or her circumstances permit until approval has been obtained rather than live away from his wife or her husband.
Naturally there are exceptions to this rule. A number of foreign spouses will search for a Saudi sponsor who will employ them which will allow them to legally enter and live in the Kingdom. However this venue has its own pitfalls. This may bring a spouse legally into the Kingdom but the issue that the marriage between the foreign spouse and Saudi national is still not resolved. Because of this while they may be both in the Kingdom they may not be able to live together as husband and wife. If they are out and about together they take the risk of being stopped by the police or muttawa and without the official documentation recognizing them as husband and wife in the eyes of the Saudi government, the foreign spouse could be deported and the Saudi national imprisoned.
In order for a marriage to be approved, the Saudi national must submit information on his/her intended spouse and seek approval. Approvals for marriage to a foreigner are from the Ministry of Interior. On receipt of the request a file number will be generated. It is essential to know and retain the file number as that is how ones application would be identified throughout the process. Depending on the employer of the Saudi national, additional approvals may be necessary besides that of the Ministry of Interior. The Ministry of Interior will evaluate and investigate the request. If approval is granted then the next step would be notification from the Ministry of Interior to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a visa to be issued to the spouse.
I am simplifying this process but also bear in mind that throughout the process and with each Ministry a lot of documentation is required such as the marriage certificates. If the marriage certificate is not in Arabic, then it must be translated to Arabic. The marriage certificate must also be attested and notarized from the country in which the marriage took place, from the Saudi government and if in the event the visa is being issued from a third country (such as if a spouse has been living in Bahrain) then the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the third country must attest the document as well. Besides the marriage certificate other important documents include birth certificates, passports, shot records and recent medical examinations.
Once the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received the request to issue a visa, the spouse can go to the designated Saudi embassy present your file number and passport for issuance of a residency visa. This may not happen in one day. Usually a passport would be dropped off the morning of one day and then received sometimes later on the same day or one or two days later. The residency visa will be valid for 60 days during which time the Saudi spouse must take the passport to the passport office (Jawazat) in order to generate and receive an Iqama (which will also be the official identification card). The iqama is similar in size and appearance to a drivers license and will identify the foreigner as the spouse of a Saudi and resident of the Kingdom. The iqama is valid for two years.
Throughout this entire period one must have LOTS and LOTS of patience. And be prepared as each step of the process will have fees which need to be paid for processing, registering and issuance of documents.
Filed under: culture, gender, islam, politics, relationships, religion, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, Saudi education, Uncategorized
Very Kafka-esque.
There must be endless job-opportunities for civil servants.
So what’s strange about this process? This is Saudi law in Saudi land. In the U.S. I draw a parallel with the “Green Card” (equivalent of “iqama”) and the process a foreign national undergoes is even worse in the U.S. Even when a U.S. Citizen marries a “foreign” national. I know; I marrried a foreign national. The system here is very abusive, humiliating and tricky that “officials” attempt to trick the applicant into making a mistake so that their application would be denied. So what’s the big deal about Saudi process? Are you maybe anti-Saudi a bit because you don’t like their ways?
ATW
In the US one does not require permission to marry. However in Saudi Arabia if one marries someone from outside the Kingdom, permission is required. But I can see where one could draw parallels between the green card and the iqama. Interesting point.
As a former official I agree that the system for applying for a green card and sponsorship can be cumbersome and confusing and even more so post 9-11.
In regards to your query….no, I think it is safe to say I am not anti-Saudi but that does not necessarily mean I accept all the Saudi ways without question.
However the primary purpose of this particular post is to inform, especially for those who find themselves saying ‘yes’ to a Saudi and maybe not knowing the system and what is entailed.
I find this interesting: the fact that you are married to a Saudi yet in one of your posts you stated that you both tried to locate a restaurant prior to prayers time. Since your husband is Saudi, then how is it that he cannot read Arabic? This is what I got from your post. Likewise, I think your attempt to “inform” here comes across as a bit prejudiced. You don’t have to accept the Saudi ways (yet you married a Saudi?) and likewise many “foreigners” don’t have to accept our ways (the American ways) in the U.S. As Americans here say: “You don’t like our country, then why do you stay?”
I’m sure you realize that this has been cleaned up some.
ATW
ATW: My husband is in fact fluent in arabic but if you have ever been to the Kingdom you’ll quickly realize the importance of keeping ones eyes on the road due to the crazy drivers! As a result, I do more and more of the navigation/reading signs for my spouse so he can concentrate on the road.
If you wish to view me as prejudiced, I’ve no problem with that! That is part of the beauty of blogs and discussion forums is the ability to express oneself and agree to disagree.
In regards to people not accepting or liking certain ways of differing countries and/or cultures, I do not believe there is truly an Utopia where all is perfect and serene. Even nationals of respective countries will openly state they do not like this or they do not like that…
[...] American Bedu blog has an informative piece on the complications that obtain when a foreigner and a Saudi wish to marry. The Saudi government does require prior permission for the marriage to take place, though that’s not always the way things work out. The post points out the problems with an unregistered marriage. Saudi Marriage Restrictions to Foreigners [...]
Well, I find all these rules pretty outlandish (yes: pun!) Getting a green card in America included. Although I understand from a friend who’s trying for one right now, it does matter where you’re going; eg: California: forget it! And Kansas (a place where the Americans themselves don’t even go) could work!
But there are other countries, where the rules and regulations of getting married to a foreigner can be explaned in two sentences.
I did not get the impression by reading this blog that American Bedu harbours any prejudices against KSA. What she does do, is giving very helpful insights and information about her live there.
or here,
where she’s blogging from.
so in KSA.
In the post about reading arabic she explaned she was doing the searching, so her husband could drive and watch the traffic. I thought it was quite a funny story.
I think arabic writing is beautiful, I wish I could read it.
Actually, American bedu, my (arabian) horse is called: ”The Tarq” and I have a retired arabian horse called ”Rabhar” could you show me how to write those names in Arabic script? so I can write their names in Arabic script on their stable doors? That would be really excellent!!!!
Aafke – thanks for your lovely comments. How wonderful for you to have Arabian horses – they are such magnificent creatures. If you have not discovered it, you may enjoy my posts which describe the Equestrian Centre in Riyadh where the arabian horses race.
I have to figure out how to send or display to you in Arabic script. Another idea which might work better for no confusion on having their names in arabic on their stable doors is to have someone locally write them and then go with you to a place to have the placques made. I’m sure if you were to contact the arabic studies department of a local university…or perhaps query at the local Saudi embassy you would find someone very happy to assist.
Or alternatively maybe one of the readers will have a better capability than me in posting in arabic.
However if you have a chart from the internet for arabic, Tarq could be spelled with the arabic letters: tah, rah, quah (all pronounced phonetically).
Rabhar: rah, (alaf optional), bah, hah, rah
Best Regards,
Carol
Carol,
Never mind the naysayers. There is a HUGE difference here between the US and Saudi rules. This isnt just about visas and coming to the USA or Saudi, it is about living every facit of life itself.
Of course you know I am an American male married to a Saudi female. We both live here in the USA, so the whole visa thing doesnt apply to us. We are married through the local mosque, through the US government, and we have the permission of my wife’s family, both here in the USA and back in Saudi.
However, since the Saudis have yet to recognise our marriage this changes everything. My wife got her scholarship through the Saudi Cultural Mission/Embassy here in DC and graduated with her Bachelors a few years back.
Because we are married, without “permission granted” yet by the Saudi government, she cannot get the scholarship through the government. Of course, this rule does not hold up for the Saudi man. My wife cannot now visit the Kingdom without relying on her male members of her family to giver her permission to come and go. I, as her husband, do not have the right to let my wife visit her own country.
Saudi Arabia is supposed to be the “Land of Islam” yet many laws, like this one, run contrary to the ideas and principles of Islam.
The reason why many Saudis, both male and females, either get married without the permission or never seek it at all, is because it can take years to get the marriage recognised. I know one Saudi lady, married to an American, whose marriage took six years to get recognised, and her family was a well known one in Saudi. This was about 20 years ago, but it is little different if you do not have the money to pay bribes (reshwa) or what connections (wasta) to the right places in the Saudi government.
You are far from prejudiced Carol, But there are some out there that will accuse you of this if you dont 100% accept that everything that comes from Saudi is the ordained will of God because Saudi is the “Land of Islam” and has to the Two Holy Shrines.
The requirement to get permission to marry from the Saudi government is a back dated, ignorant tribal hold over and the sooner it ends and they establish the rule of Islam rather than that of the Bedu, the better.
Great post, as always.
Abu Sinan,
I greatly appreciate your sharing of your own experience and situation. I wish I had that magic answer for you on what would work in your situation. I can only imagine your pain and frustration to be trapped by archaic rules. However I do think by making your situation known as you have will continue to open eyes and ears to your situation and others in unusual circumstances. In fact in my own opinion, your situation would make a very interesting and compelling docu-drama. Movies should be made on the realities of life and people in the Kingdom rather than ‘feel good America must be the saviour and hero’ movies like the Kingdom.
Delicate question which you do not have to choose to answer but do you fear that if your wife’s brothers gave permission for her to return to the Kingdom with the children to visit that they would not let her in turn come back to you and the USA?
And how heartbreaking as both of you are beautiful practicing muslims yet prohibited from performing the sacred rite of hajj together as husband and wife until this issue is resolved.
You have my thoughts and prayers.
My wife has no brothers, so that isnt an issue. It would be her uncles that would be in control of her there, or even, her son. Imagine that, her 17 year old son could veto her leaving the country to be with her husband and other children? It is really insane.
I do not worry about her uncles, I dont think it is an issue. Our issue is everything else that requires a “mehram” to do. Getting her passport renewed is even going to be an issue. It has to be done by a Mehram, but she doesnt have one here in the USA, not at least according to the Saudi government.
The people at the Embassy, some of them at least, have been helpful. They allowed me to go in and renew my step-son’s passport recently, even though officially, I am not related to him in any way. Hah, I had to laugh at some of the people I saw at the Embassy that day when they saw me walking around with a Saudi passport in my hand.
The guy at the front desk asked me in halting in English who I was there to see, he called and said in Arabic that some white guy was here to see Mr al Khaldi, I told the guy, in Arabic, that my name was Malik and that I had been there to see Jassim al Khaldi the other day. The guy at the desk almost dropped the phone when he saw I could speak Arabic.
Anyway, thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Our main intention is to do umrah and hajj together. My wife has already done umrah, but not hajj. I have done neither.
We thought about just getting my wife her American citizenship and dropping the Saudi citizenship altogether. If they will not even allow her to travel with her Muslim husband for hajj, what worth is it anyways? Sad, when one considers she could have given up her Saudi passport years ago to get an American one but chose not to.
This wont work either as we looked at the Hajj visa applications and they ask “former nationality”, so she would have to put “Saudi” there.
Insha’Allah, everything will turn out right in the end.
Abu Sinan — First, that’s great you have learned arabic. It will make so many issues much easier and quite frankly gains additional respect (which I know you already know…)
And yes, I do know of cases where a young son who would be viewed as a minor in the States has become the mehram of his mother due to the death of the father. In one instance I am aware of where a son, acting as mehram, prohibited his American born mom from going to the States to see her family members.
If you recall the offline dialogue we had, I think it is time to move forward with the suggestion. Good luck!
Abu Sinan…it is worth pointing out that your wife and her children do not have to renounce their saudi citizenship (according to us law) to get a us passport. Which means that all of them could get passports to travel outside ksa without the legal hassle of traveling on a saudi passport.
That said, it is worth noting that what you are really asking for is the right to be the “keeper” (mahram-guardian) of your adult spouse in ksa, and someday, her adult daughter. Creepy…when you allow yourself to really think about it, and why marriages between female Saudis and male non-Saudis are so rare. The xenophobic impulses of KSA resist the idea of a non-Saudi playing owner of Saudi females. I say this as a woman who once worked in KSA and had to live with the notion that a Saudi man held my iqama (which is code for enslavement).
All women in KSA are in defacto slaves, as are all foreign workers. That is, their bodies are controlled and owned by their mahrams (though it is nice when one’s spouse is beneficent–which does not obliviate the fact that they are still owned/guarded) KSA is a modern-day version of the ante bellum south.
My advice…as a “beneficent” mahramn (in Saudi reality), it would do you and yours well to get your wife and her children US passports. It may not solve their problems within KSA but it would confer upon them a measure of freedom as citizens of the world that they all deserve.
(I also find myself wondering, why, knowing what you know about kingdom politics, you are so open about who you are and who your wife is…if you really wanted what you say you do, you would’ve played it very differently. Fair or right? Perhaps not, but sometimes reality is reality. You haven’t played the game well, though if women in KSA had ANY rights your plight would not exist…
Sunrunner,
The US doesnt require her to give up her passport, but the Saudis do. Saudi rules are that if you gain a foreign passport you must give up your Saudi passport. So for her there is little choice. Although, I will tell you that many Saudis, male and female, have foreign passports and just do not disclose this to the Saudi authorities. This is why they are usually kept in different places, or in the case of one of my wife’s relatives, they keeps their American passport in a summer flat in a different county.
There are many different ways we could have played this. You know what my wife and I have said online, we have both blogged before. What you dont know is what we did before we got to that point.
We played it the proper route, I went to the Embassy, I met with the Charge D’ Affairs, I had dozens of dozens of phone conversations and e-mails back and forth with Prince Bandr’s private secretary, I contacted both of my Senators, and other local members of Congress. One of my senators even petitioned Prince Bandr for help in this issue, I have the copy of the letter he sent, along with Bandr’s response saying that he refused to help us, that we were out for nothing but money.
It all goes back to tribal issues and keeping the money, women and resources within the tribe, and to a greater extension, within the country itself.
My step daughter has an American passport, as she was born here, and is not on her father’s paperwork over there. As for as the Saudis are concerned, she is not a Saudi. No birthcertificate, no paperwork at all linking her to her real father.
I would ask you, what better way would there have been to play the game? I have been told by many people who are in positions to know that “playing the game” ie filling out the paperwork and just sitting and waiting does not work. You MUST have wasta (connections) to get your marriage recognised.
This is exactly why we went to the people at the Saudi Embassy here. My father in law worked for the Saudi government for 25 years here, some 40 years total. We figured that we dont have wasta back in Saudi, but that probably some of the people who knew her father would be willing to help us out.
Prince Bandr himself called my mother in law when her husband died, my sister in law used to play at his house with his daughter. We thought it would be nothing for the man to write a short letter and include it with the marriage recognition paperwork, or even submit it himself.
When my oldest sister in law married an Egyptian all my father in law did was to walk in the Prince’s office, get him to sign a piece of paper, and it was done. Our thinking was that he would probably do the same thing for us.
As it turned out they did nothing for us at all. We have filled out the paperwork, I have provided letters of reference, in English and Arabic, from respected members of the local Muslim community, provided pay stubs, work history, educational background, you name it.
What was the response we got from the diplomat at the Saudi Embassy? He asked us “do you have any Wasta back in Saudi”?
So it all goes back to what I originally talked about. I tried to play the game, but I dont have a large sum to bribe the right people, nor do I know people who can do favours for someone to return their help. In Saudi society that means you have nothing.
AbuSinan, What a depressing story.
I am very sorry for you.
Abu Sinan – while i am sure that Sunrunner had good intentions, you ultimately know your situation best and what venue is most appropriate for you to pursue at this time. Sadly your situation is so political with the fact that you are a western male married to a Saudi woman which further compounds the complications of getting the marriage approved. Do not give up hope and do not stop your efforts.
I want to start by saying THANK YOU to all of you who posted here.
I am an American man who is about to begin the process of marrying a Saudi woman. We are both students in the US at the moment and I was born here as well. Both of my parents were born and raised in Spain but are now American citizens as am I of course. We are both open to pursuing careers in Spain despite the major effort it would take to establish ourselves over there. I am curious if any of you see a significant difference between us marrying here in the US or in Spain..?
David – welcome and thanks for your comment.
If you do not mind my asking, how do your fiance’s parents feel about their daughter marrying a non-Saudi? Are you muslim?
If you are both in the US and at least you have US citizenship, it would likely be easier for you to marry in the USA. But you also do not mention what type of marriage ceremony you have in mind– civil, church, islamic? Whether your marriage would be registered in local courts or not?
Good luck and please share more if you can.
David,
As I have recently filled out the application required of the Saudi government to recognise such a marriage let me tell you what they ask and require.
They will require proof that you are a Muslim, ie you will need to have a “Shahada” certificate from a local mosque. You will be required to have at least two people as character witnesses and who are willing to submit their personal information on the form. It asks for their citizenship, passport number, work and home phone number and the like. As you are supposed to be a convert to Islam for this whole thing to even be considered, it might be a good idea if both of these people are Arabs/Muslims.
These two men should be able to write you letters of recommendation. If they are not written in Arabic, have them translated in Arabic. The people at the local Saudi consulate office/Embassy might speak English okay, but this application will end up at the Ministry of the Interior in Riyahd Saudi Arabia where the chances arent so good.
You are going to have to be able to prove that you will be able to provide for your wife and any future children. I dont know how that would work with you as a student, but for me it required providing proof of employment, pay stubs, and a letter of reference from my employer.
You will also have to provide proof that her family, specifically her Mehram (usually a father, brother, or uncle) has given permission for her to marry. This is not required of a divorced female, but it still a good idea even if she is divorced.
You need to keep in mind that the process is NOT a quick one. One other thing you MUST know, is that if your soon to be wife is here on a Saudi scholarship provided by the Saudi government through the Cultural Mission here in DC, that if she marries you before you get the permission from the government, that she will loose her scholarship through the Saudi government and will have to go back to Saudi Arabia, her visa will not be renewed.
The rules of the Saudi scholarship abroad are that if a student marries a foreigner without permission they forfit the scholarship. As I have a sister in law still on the scholarship for her graduate program I get to read all of the statements sent out about the scholarship, the rule against marrying foreigners without permission is a point they are making big time now.
You might think you can hide the marriage and her keep the scholarship, but that will not work. They will eventually find out about it. My sister in law’s best friend’s father was the head of the cultural mission here in DC for some 25 years. They have what we would call here in the US “spies” at every university were there are any amount of Saudi students. They report students who are drinking, doing drugs, getting married, and the like. Many students are sent back to Saudi every year for such things.
Besides, marriage to a Saudi, with the Saudi family, is usually a big thing and well advertised. A Saudi family will want people to know their unmarried daughter is having a wedding. To keep something silent like this would indicate their disapproval, or even foster ideas that she is marrying because she got into trouble.
My recommendation is that if she is on the scholarship it might be best to wait until after she is done with school. Unless her family has big time connections it is going to take you years, not months to get your marriage recognised.
Keep in mind you must be a Muslim to marry her. If you are not, dont even bother, the Saudis will not even consider it.
Also make sure you are very sure as to what her family thinks. There is a reason why there are so few Saudi women married to Westerners. Most Saudi families would not consider it. In my experience as a Westerner married to a Saudi woman, the only families that are okay with it are families from the Hijaz, where culture is a bit more ilberal, and families where the members have done a lot of traveling abroad and some were educated there.
You marriage MUST be done Islamically. This is another paper you would have to provide with your application. Ideally, since you are in the USA, you need both an Islamic marriage and one registered through the state. As an Islamic marriage has requirements that a civil marriage does not in the USA, having only a state marriage will not be enough.
To have an Islamic marriage, if the young lady is unmarried before, she must have the permission of her father, brother, or uncle. No Muslim authority will marry you without that. If she is divorced and can prove it, that requirement is waived under Islamic law.
Lots of things to think about.
Sad that they make it so hard when marriage in Islam is supposed to be so easy.
Excellent advise, Abu Sinan!
I’d also like to add that today on Al Arabiya there was an interview with an Irish national who lives and works here in the Kingdom. He works for the National Guard in a training capacity and is also a colleague at Saudi Television where he hosts a regular program. He has recently married a Saudi woman while here in the Kingdom. Yes; he converted to Islam (from Catholicism) prior to coming to the Kingdom. His story is a great story and illustrates that it is not impossible for a non-Saudi to marry a Saudi woman, even from within the Kingdom!
Thank you guys so much. First of all, I am definitely aware of the requirement that I must convert to Islam and I’ve made it clear to her that I am ready and willing. I plan to take the “conversion” seriously.
The scholarship thing shouldn’t be too big of a problem as she is only here to take the US Medical Board Exam so the scholarship is only covering a test preparation course and not college tuition. Basically, I’d be able to afford what they stop helping her with.
We are both clear that our first mission, before we even worry about getting approval from the Saudi government, is to get her family’s approval. She already dropped the idea on her mother who basically said she didn’t recommend the idea but would still support her in her decision.
So as I see it… my first two issues to address are “converting” to Islam and then satisfying the requirements for an Islamic wedding.
Thank you for the information. I will let you all know how it goes.
Please do David. When I did my blog I used to field questions from people all over the world interested in marrying Saudi women and the process.
Converting is rather easy. Visit a local mosque and the only thing you have to do is recite “the Shahada” in front of witnesses. You should then take classes about Islam.
I know when it came time to visit my wife’s family and ask for permission to marry her they had very specific questions regarding the religion. They wanted to know that I had indeed converted because I like Islam, not for their daughter. As I had converted years early, this wasnt an issue. But they did ask certain things, like how many verses of The Qur’an I knew, and even asked me to recite some of them, in Arabic of course.
There are actually more Saudi women out there who would like to marry American converts, they just either cannot find them, or their families will not accept it.
I had several Saudi women actually talk to me and ask me to find American converts for them, including a woman from a very well known Saudi tribe whose father was a highly placed diplomat.
Good luck, and please update us! If there is anything I can do for you or any specific questions you have, you can feel free to e-mail me.
My e-mail address is abusinan@maktoob.com
Good luck!
One reason my Omani ex and I never married was the issues related in this blog entry…and of course what his family thought of him marrying a foreigner who was not Omani nor Muslim. It can be quite sad for both parties involved to have such intense feelings for one another but outside forces prevent a union. I always wish the very best for anyone who walks down or decides to walk down the same road I have travelled….
Thanks for sharing, Marianna. Some couples, despite opposition to the marriage from families, will go ahead and marry anyway but given the Arab culture, without the endorsement of a marriage, such marriages are unlikely to work out. One should never underestimate the strong familial ties of Arab culture.
That’s too bad that in your case Marianna there were some obstacles placed because it does lead to such heartbreak.
Aafke,
I would type the arabic words for you here however my computer was recently infected and although it seems I got rid of it, for some reason it affected my arabic support and I can’t even re-install it again.
Carol, it is easy (and free) to download and install the arabic keyboard from
http://www.microsoft.com/middleeast/arabicdev/windows/winxp/arabicmackb.aspx
Dalioness – thanks for the link. I checked it out but it seems to be for a MAC keyboard and I do not use a MAC. Actually I have an arabic keyboard but need to figure out how to toggle between the english and arabic characters.
You know what? I don’t have a MAC as well but it worked for me! Weird.
Hm, perhaps I could help you with that. Does your language bar show on your taskbar or desktop? You should be able to a small keyboard symbol.
Let me know if you need any help. It can be frustrating depending on software.
Thanks, Dalioness. Actually I’m told by the system I need to install arabic fonts but need to install the original windows cd which I lost in my move from USA to KSA…but I’m sure I’ll get something worked out!
Delhi4cats:
I feel that if i do not talk to someone about this soon, i might just throw up in the stress of it all.
I have been seeing a Saudi man for quite some time now, and we have decided to marry. I, like you, am from the United States. We had planned to live together in Saudi Arabia.
He just came back from Saudi Arabia, and with him he brought this news that dumbfounded us both.
If you could please, please, pleaseeee tell me your experience in this matter, i would be so greatful. I feel that i have no one to talk to this about, because very few American women would ever decide to take this, shall we say, “road less travled.”
Did you go through the tedious paperwork process? if so, do you feel that the process was fair? How long did it take? was it difficult? is it possible for a marriage to be rejected?
like i said, i would be so greatful if i had an experienced opinon concerning this problem. Because the more i think about it, the more my heart sinks.
Yasmine,
Please email me at american_bedu(at symbol)yahoo(dot)com. I can understand and emphasize with the challenges but you may want to discuss this offline.
Regards,
Carol
i have done so. thank you so much for this.
i waited almost 3 years for my permission. I’m a saudi woman and my husband is turkish. finally last april it came. we’ve now been married almost 3 months. Thank God.
the process was long, painful and slow. first we had to convince my family. that in itself took a year. then my brother had to go gather the necessary documents and believe me they ask for all kinds of documents. they asked for proof of religion, salary(husband’s-and it has to be a good amount), nationality, residence status, marriage status, family status, and even proof that i was a saudi.
we had to redo the process 2 times cuz someone lost all out paperwork. and the more we dug around we found out that certain factors were key:1. i’m under 28, 2.i live outside saudi, 3. my husband isn;t a millionaire.
my husband and brother tried all kinds of wasta. since my dad was in the army we tried his contacts, we tried contacts in the ministry of interiors, we even got a prince and all he said was ‘call me if its a no’. but you never get a straight-forward ‘no’. its always ‘khair’ and ‘the papers transferred there’ and ‘soon, inshallah’.
in the end a bribe was given. i don’t know how much. no one will discuss it with me. but my brother is insistent that my sister will not marry a foreigner-at least not any time soon- and my husband is just thankful its over.
to everyone going through this-keep hanging on. the road’s not easy or well paved. you might get the permission or decide to just marry without it.
my prayers are with you
Nadia — all humdillah and thank you for sharing your experience.
As you have illustrated, noone’s experiences will likely be the same and there are always various factors which are taken into consideration.
I have been married to an omani for the past 21 years. Have had to lead a double life. Lived apart for last 9 years. Only see him once every 1 – 3 years. Totally heartbreaking.
Cheesecake,
Your comment is touching. Why have you had to live a double life? And how are you able to maintain a comfortable relationship if you only see each other so seldom? It is heartbreaking.
I live in the UK. He ives in Oman. We lived together until 9 years ago. He came to the end of his studies and could no longer remain in the country. We have a 13 year old daughter who has had to grow up without her father.
If he came clean to the Omani authorities he would lose his job, possiby be imprisoned and have his passport taken away. Then we would probably never see him again. Last year we met up in the UAE for a few days. Of course there are times when it seems pointless and probably living in hope for a life together that may never happen.
If we ever decide to officially end the marriage then the last 21 years would have been for nothing and we would have let an unjust law/decree beat us.
That is indeed a tough situation and wish you the best.
Many times when permission is asked (for mixed marriages) through the channels here, instead of saying, ‘no’, (which they can’t do), they just never answer…..or they lose the papers, or try to delay it by asking for more and more information. It’s a very sad situation for those who are trying to get married legally.
That is quite true Miriam.
Dear Carol and to All,
Could you guys give me info as a legal saudi wife can we get “waris” or will after our husband pass away? (I am still holding my foreign citizenship) I am married with Saudi and already got legal paper from Saudi court, my husband has 2 children from previous married and not any from me. I would like to know what is my right whenever my husband divorce me or pass away, can I remain stay in the house in Saudi and got some waris eventhough I remain foreign citizen, how about sponsorship or mahram?
Please should you guys has some info about this…
May thanks
Zaina
Zaina_Machmud@yahoo.com
Hi Zaina,
What I do know is that if you have retained your foreign citizenship, then if in the event of a divorce, you lose your mahrem and would likely have to leave the Kingdom.
If he passes away, at a minimum you are entitled to the inheritance rites as cited in the Quran and under Saudi law. Additional rites or benefits may depend on the family.
The above are my understanding and I am sure there are those reading who have more knowledge than me in these issues who can respond as well.
Hi Carol,
Thanks a lot for your response very appreciate it. just happen to see your blog and love it so much.. I live in Makkah, have been married 3 yrs held in my country then just recently we got legal permit from mahkamah/the court.
Bit confuse about saudi law, thanks anyway
Dear Zaina,
Thank you and glad you are enjoying my blog.
How are you liking life in Mecca? And mabrook on receiving the legal permit. I’ve no doubt that has brought a great sense of relief!
Best Regards,
Carol
This is petty I know in light of all the excellent information and shared experience in the comments on Saudi-NonSaudi marriage but ATW’s “love it or leave it” comment implies that either the US or KSA (not sure which is being praised) is an ideal utopian society. Those who find it otherwise should leave. Hmmm, kind of simplistic and is it a solution to abandon hope and just find another place to live? Is there no difference of opinion or initiative to improve things? Kind of sad.
I sit here in tears while reading all of your posts. I was just informed by my Saudi boyfriend that we would have to get married in “secret” because he is a student in the US and will lose his scholarship money if he marries me. Little did I know there was so much paperwork and sweat involved. My boyfriend in the kindest most wonderful man in the world. It breaks my heart that marriage is probably not a possibility, in fact that the whole relationship is not a possibility. I guess it was doomed from the beginning since I’m a Christian and he is a Muslim. The heart is non-discriminating, what can I say? I pray for EVERYONE on this blog. God will make a way.
Rose,
I know many of us can emphasize with your feelings of despair and heartbreak. It is extremely difficult for Saudi students to acquire the approvals and marry a foreigner. Not only are the approvals themselves quite difficult the in so many cases, the Saudi family will not endorse or approve the marriage either.
I would strongly advise you against marrying in secret and from your post it sounds like you are indeed leaning that way. There is no problem that you are Christian and he is muslim but so many other issues such as the approvals, cultural differences, role of family do tend to stack the cards here.
Wishing you all the best,
Carol
Rose, living a double life, getting married in secret would affect the rest of your life. It is even more difficult when children are involved. If i had known then what I know now, then I would probaby have never got married. It is so difficult and will affect every aspect of your life. If you had children how would you explain the circumstances of your marriage and life?
Be very careful.
Cheesecake (who has an Omani husband).
I think it is difficult in a sense that getting a permission it will take time.. i am a foriegner married to a saudi.. and we are trying to get our marriage legally.. but no one like to marry us.. it explains that we have to wait for long time to get our marriage accepted by the government..
I love my husband and i am willing to wait for the permission to be granted..
pumpkin who has a saudi husband..
It’s not that you cannot get married; one can have an islamic ceremony or a civil ceremony and be married. BUT, one must have government approval (ie, official recognition of the marriage) in order for the foreign wife to enter the Kingdom legally as the wife of a Saudi.
Some women choose to live in neighboring Bahrain while other Saudi husbands have chosen to live outside of the Kingdom with their foreign wives.
Not to be discouraging but depending on circumstances, official approval can sometimes take years (if at all). It all depends on the circumstances: ages, nationalities, positions, etc.
Salam Alaikkum and Hello everyone! I have been reading this blog and I wanted to share my story and see if anyone has any suggestions. I’m an american women married to a Saudi. My husband is here(USA) sponsered by the american government through the fulbright program. We have been married for one year yesterday (june 8th) and I’m due to have our first child next month, a little girl. We didn’t get “written” permission from the embassy or Interior of Ministry in KSA. About 2 months ago, if not longer, we applied for the marriage to be approved. We sent in all the paperwork they asked for. Our marriage cert. both Islamically and the state reg. one, my conversion to islam, his job status in Saudi Arabia, and of course the application filled out and signed by 2 saudi men here in the USA to say what was written was true to the best of their knowledge. My husband called the embassy today and they told him he was rejected. My husband has to leave the USA because he has a 2 year home res. req. he has to fullfill upton completeion of his program, which is in the next 2 months. I hate the thought that I can not be with my husband, my husband will be a new father and not see his child but for only 2 months, I will have to rasie our daughter alone until we can get our marriage approved, move back in with my mother(i’m 28 yrs old lol), and that my daughter and I may not be able to meet his family. It is such a mess. I seen someones comment saying this is sad since Isalm holds marriage as a high standard. We married and are having a baby together the only thing we didn’t do “correct” is get government WRITTEN approval first. I understand it is a law to have permission first I just can’t understand why the marriage was denied when we had all the forms they asked for. Well, I feel a little better now but I’m still depressed. Thank you all for the post and info you’ve shared.
Salam Alaikum Shari,
I can understand how devastated, lost and alone you must feel. I am also saddened to learn of the situation in which you and your child find yourself. EVERY Saudi student on a scholarship, to include a Fulbright scholarship, is advised that marriage to a foreigner while abroad and on a scholarship is prohibited. It could be cause for his scholarship to be recanted as well as him being recalled unceremoniously back to the Kingdom. This likely explains why the marriage was denied.
Sadly there are many women in countries around the world who have married Saudis and are now raising their children, while they hope and pray for the marriage to get approved and their husband has since returned to the Kingdom.
Given your husband violated the regulations and is probably under the age of 35 (I’m guessing), the likely route he would have to go to try and get the approval is through WASTA.
Students, Saudi men under age 35 and Saudis who work in sensitive positions (Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defense, National Guard and the armed services) are all prohibited under the laws of the Kingdom from marrying a foreign woman. I’m not saying there have not been exceptions but those exceptions usually required WASTA or paying a large sum to someone who knew how to “work the system” on ones behalf.
Perhaps some others who follow this blog may have some other words for you that may be more encouraging.
Salam Shari,
I’m so sorry to hear about your predicament. One friend sent a letter directly to Prince Sultan’s office for some problem that she had about getting Saudi Citizenship, and the matter was cleared up right away…so, you might try that. (Don’t know how you get the number for him.)
Otherwise, your husband will have to go the Wasta route, or he will have to pay back the two years by working and then reapply. Probably one of his uncles or his father or a friend of a friend would be able to ask for a ‘favor’ for your husband. But, most people don’t like to be indebted by favors, so, I suggest that you write to Prince Sultan yourself first and explain your situation and fax it to his office. Anyone know the fax number? Getting into this country with a child isn’t quite as hard as getting out with one. : )
Are you sure you want to come here?
As I understand any correspondence addressed to a Royal and sent to the attention/care of a Saudi embassy must then be couriered through the Saudi diplomatic pouch and at least delivered to the office of the Royal. However if and when it gets read, let alone responded to is questionable.
I’ll have to ask the gals on our yahoo group if anyone has any other info on this. I’m pretty sure it was one of them.
Salams Thank you so much for the help. I’m in a couple of the yahoo groups, Americans married to saudis and Saudi wives. Any help would be wonderful. Insha’allah this will work out and our child and I can be together with my husband. Its so so stressful and depressing to think about the situation. Thanks again.
You’re welcome Shari and wishing you all the best.
Salam Carol and Hi to everyone,
I have found this website last week and very interested in exploring it contents. Dont have a chance to explore all of it yet. .
It is really interesting and something strucked in my mind when reading all your messages and obstacles all of you had faced in marrying the saudi female or male. I agree with Abu Sinan that Islam is easy and it is supposed to make thing easy for both Muslim and non Muslim. As cited by one of the verses in Quran ,which basically urged Muslim to “Call people to Islam with wisdom (hikmah) and good example”. But one might wonder why is this holy land of Islam is unlikely practise this supposedly more Islamic way.
I am working at one of the Universities in Malaysia and students from KSA is the largest students’ population among the internation students which is more than 1000 students now. Most of the students are studying at my faculty. Therefore I have got chance to see and deal with them everyday.
Based on my own knowledge of how Islam came into existence, my experiences with the saudi students here combine with what what I read in the internet about Saudi, I like to share my thought:
1. Prior to Islam, traditionally and culturally, Arabs are arrogant (is this the suitable word?), believe in male authority, treat woman as a second class citizen (they buried their child if it is born daughter so to speak, asabiayah (very prone to their own tribe) and they proud with their respective tribe and normally they will not listen to other people. They believe in their own way of managing their affairs. (Of course there posses good good traits too !)
2. Allah SWT appointed Prophets mostly from the Arabs origin mainly to call all mankind to Islam. In the first place, why Allah appointed prophet from within their origin to call them as well as all mankind to Islam? Allah SWT does not simply do thing without reason. One of the reason is because of their nature of character as mentioned above. It is very hard for them to accept other people to come and change their deep rooted lifestyle.
3. Finally these prophets managed to call most of Arabs to embrace Islam, hence changed their lifestyle. No longer burying daughter in the grave while she is still alive, no longer treat women as second class citizenship (this is shown by treating them like existing treatment – they make it as example of diamond – to them woman is diamond which have to be protected, covered and tighly secured – this is what the Saudi students told me).
4) No matter how Islam changed them in many ways, their nature that have been rooted since centuries wont not be ceased completely. In some way or another, they still inherite many their great great grandfather traits in them. They are still arrogant in some way, they still think that their way is the best way and refused to listen to others. They are still very strong in preserving and protecting their own tribe/culture/people/country.
5) One of the examples is the way they view “mix marriages”. If possible, to maintain their own tribe/culture etc they think the best way is to prevent their people to get married with non saudi or if it is happened, they will make it difficult in term of procedures and all that. By their of handling the “mix marriages matter” does not really potrays the true Islamic teaching and practice. Ideally, Islam shown in its people. Islam is shown in the believer attitude.
Despite what I said above, of course Saudi people are known also for the good traits such their hospitality, their way of handling guesses, etc (please add….lol).
This is merely my thought and would like to share it with all of you.
Thanks
Sharie
Welcome Sharie and happy to have your comments.
I have found that there is the practice of Islam and also the practice of culture. In some cases these go in opposite directions.
Assalamu alaikum ww
Thanx for the informative blog.
I have an intention to get married in Saudi. I am already married and I would like to marry a Saudi woman. My question is, what is the situation for me to get married in KSA? I am a British Muslim and I am working here in KSA.
Salam Alaikum,
I am not familiar with the regulations pertaining to muslim expats already in the Kingdom and seeking to take another (Saudi) wife. Additionally if you have been following Arab News these past two weeks there have been several articles pertaining to the challenge of Saudi women who have married non-Saudis. You may wish to peruse those.
Best Regards,
Carol
Salaam Aleykum.
Does anyone know how to make my marriage to a saudi man legal in saudi?
Does anyone know any wasta, money doens’t play a role in this. But I just really would like to have my marriage made legal in KSA.
Did anyone already obtain the permission?
I would really like to know.
Kind Regards.
Tesol,
Salam Alaikum. One would need to know more background about your marriage to a Saudi man before being able to answer specifically to your case.
Your husband needs to take your marriage certificate to the Ministry of Interior and register your marriage going on the premise that the status is such the two of you are allowed to be married — ie, he is not in a restricted position; not under 35 years of age; you are not a foreigner or if you are (non-Saudi) then you have already received approval from Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
If you are a foreigner, your husband needs to seek approval from Foreign Affairs and then the Ministry of Interior. Once those approvals are in place (you’ll be given a file number) then it is a pretty straight forward process.
Yes; you would certainly want a legal marrige if you are living together in Saudi Arabia. If you are not legally married (with the appropriate approval) then you could not only be deported but your husband could be arrested. If you are out and challenged to show proof of marriage, you would be stuck on a boat without a paddle so to speak.
Salaam Aleykum,
Thanks for ur quick reply.
We already got married in the UK a year ago, without asking prior permission.
My husband is 28, and I myself am from Holland.
He tried to infrom etc, and call in favours regarding permission, but everyone says it’s nearly impossible, due to his age.
Is there any way do you think, to get this permission, or to register our marriage?
Also I’ve heard about people who try to do this through the saudi embassy in their home country?
Do you think that if I were to apply for example for a Umrah visa, with my husband as mahram, here at the embassy in Holland, whether the embassy will go to check whether our marriage has been registered in Saudi, or whether they will just accept our UK marriage certificate, without to check whether we applied for permission for this?
I hope you can help me.
Kind Regards.
Salam Alaikum Tesol,
I can understand your frustration and very sorry that your husband chose to circumvent the rules. As I am sure you can imagine that can make it more difficult to get permission.
He is going to have to find someone willing to hear his story and good valid reason from the Ministry of Interior on why he married you without prior approval. Until you have the approval, your marriage cannot be registered nor formally recognized. You may be recognized islamically but that is not any good to allow you in the Kingdom as his wife.
You can not apply for an umrah visa with your husband as your sponsor. The first thing they’ll ask is if he is your Saudi husband then why do you need an umrah visa… you should have a resident visa and iqama sponsored by him. They will certainly notice and check this out.
As I mentioned above, he needs to be prepared to answer some tough reasons why he circumvented regulations… although you did not state, if he was a student and married you while he was studying abroad that is cause for his scholarship (if government sponsored) to be revoked.
He needs to talk to his family and see if there is anyone in his family that can champion your cause and know someone fairly senior within the Ministry of Interior.
Good luck.
Salaam Aleykum,
Thanks for your coment, just read it now…
My husband was not on a scholarship, or studying. So that’s not the problem.
As for circumventing the rules: we are muslim, so waiting for a long time to get married, due to a permission that might or might not come, is not smart.
You would want to prevent yourself from Haram.
And it’s not at all halal to spend all this time, waiting, and still communicating, and all these things if you are not married. So…we chose that, because in the end our religion was more important…
I don’t know if you are personally muslim, but if you are, I guess you would understand that…
Anyways, I just hope and pray for the best InshAllah.
Thanks for your comments!!!
All the best, and Kind Regards.
Salam Alaikum Tesol,
I understand exactly where you are coming from but unfortunately the laws of the Kingdom are very rigid. The Kingdom does not prevent individuals from marrying in an Islamic ceremony, as you did, but separate approval is required in order to have the marriage recognized which would allow you to live legally together in Saudi Arabia. This is a reason why so many couples have opted to live elsewhere.
Good luck!
Carol
salaam to all:
Me and my saudi husband have been marrie for 4 and a half years now. He is 42 and I am 32 with no children. He is not a student any more and is a professional working here with his permanent residence which I sponsored him to get. He visits home every year for about 3 weeks. We did never apply and ask for PRIOR permission. Alhamdulillah his family has accepted me and are eager to meet me as well as I. Times are tough here in the states and he has asked and told me from the beginning that one day we will more than likely move “home”. He still gets home sick now and then. He has lived here since 1990, was a student but when I met him he did not have a scholorship. Anyways…He is going to apply for a job when back home this year and has a wasta to help him get a good job. He says he plans to get permission when he gets his job and that we will be together. My questios are:
1. Where does he apply? Here in the U.S. or in Riyadh itself…(he lives far from Riyadh).
2.How much does it cost?
3.How long is the average process?
4.We have heard from some of his friends/family that he can be imprisoned for not getting PRIOR permission…IS this true….this is VERY scary to him.
5. Can he live here in the U.S. while he awaits for approval or does he have to be there in KSA.
…thank you
Salaam:
oh yeah I for got to ask….when people apply for permission after they have already married….do they say that they are already married or do they not amit that?????…so in other words would my husband say he is already married or just wanting permission to get married…. thanks again.
…sorry one more thing…as for most people in our situation…he didnt get permission because he didnt know the rules that he was supposed to PRIOR and not after…we just thought we would apply fro my residency and send in all appropriate paper work stating our islamic/state marriage and that I am a muslim. I am so sad.
Mishka,
Welcome. Every case is different so I cannot answer your questions specifically but I’ll do my best with what I do know:
1. Your husband can begin the process either from USA or KSA although the process and generation of file number will all be originated from KSA (Riyadh).
2. There is no cost per se to apply for marriage approval but there are charges in regards to you will require a physical, documents will need to be attested and authenticated and of course once the approval is obtained you will have visa fees to pay.
3. I do not want to disappoint you but there is no “average process.” It can take as fast as weeks or as long as years. Much will depend on your circumstances and in the case of the man, where he works.
4. It sounds like friends are trying to scare him. If he worked for a sensitive organization and married without permission and purposely kept this from his employer then there could be repurcussions.
Again as I have said in several posts about Saudi men and marriage they are ALL routinely briefed before leaving the Kingdom the regulations pertaining marriage to a foreigner. Many will conveniently forget or believe the rules will not apply to them. I do not mean to sound harsh but I have little sympathy for the man who finds himself in this position. The foreign women usually will have no idea that such a process is required and never think to even ask because it is something that would never occur to them such as a government approval for a marriage!
And it is not that approval is required for a Saudi man to marry whom he chooses but rather the government approving the marriage so the foreign wife can live in the Kingdom with her Saudi husband.
Please let me know how your situation evolves and best of luck.
i just want to know that can we perform marriage on um rah visa means i am Indian national and my wife will be Pakistan national and we thought to marry in Saudi Arabia Can we perform marriage over there on Um rah Visa .
Khan, I regret to inform you that two non-Saudis cannot come into the Kingdom on an Umrah visa and get married. I hope you are able to find an alternative venue.
To: whom my it concern,
hi, more power to your blog. i would like to ask you about how to apply a fiance visa ? cuz , my husband to be was a saudi ,40 yrs old and im filipina 37 yrs old.we not yet married but we wanted legally and im ready to be muslim.he want me to get marry to his country.i dont know how can i start to do first? but, i give him my birth certificate,my singleness to prove that i never marry in my country? he works in government as security printing agency.to tell you prankly we love each other so much.im not aftering about dowry. cuz im ok in my life and he have simple living too but , cuz i have to follow his religion i have to understand everythings.only i wish , we could live together not every times he come to me on his vacation. he wanted me to be together ! i pray that u could help me about our problems ? how we can start to process our document? but, i would like him to retired when we get olds in our country.thank you very much
sincerly yours,
chennie tan
Chennie Tan,
Thanks for coming to my blog. First I suggest that you do a search on my blog on marriage to read the various posts on this topic. There really is no such thing as a fiance visa. Your fiance will need to apply and receive permission from the Ministry of Interior in order to marry you and it is a process which HE must initiate. It is not a fast process and you will need to be very patient. I also suggest you look at Tara Um Omar’s blog which contains very detailed information on the approval process between a Saudi and a foreigner.
Just so you know, you are not required or obligated to change your religion in order to marry a Saudi. Saudis can marry Christian, Jews and Muslims. Just a word of unsolicited advice, I don’t think anyone should change their faith unless it is the right reason for them and they believe in that faith. One should not change their religion on behalf of an individual…just my personal opinion.
Best Regarrds,
Carol
Hi buddies
I was searching internet for some content about expats marrying a saudi. Well i am born and raised in Saudi and living here for 23 years. by nationality i am pakistani but my cultlure has been saudi as i am raised btw them. so the hardest point now is i cannot marry a pakistani girl cause i dont understand their custom and culture. So i started looking for a bride here. But prior to that i should get some info for the approval. If any one can help me sort things out it would be appreciated.
Regards,
Fahad
Fahad,
I do realize how difficult that can be. Honestly, I’m not sure about the ease of having a Saudi bride. Most others I know who have been from different countries and raised in Saudi usually ended up marrying someone from their original country but was raised elsewhere like them…(at least when in Saudi). And as you referred, the approval process to marry a Saudi is so stringent and even more so when wishing to marry a Saudi woman.
Well as tough it would it be i am going thruogh it.
And inshallah if i got it done will let the other people know the full procedure.
Thanks
Farad,
I’d be interested in hearing just how it goes. The only issues are not governmental, ie getting the permission, but cultural issues as well.
Even though you are born and raised in Saudi, Saudis will still look at you as a Pakistani. Many Saudi families would not look kindly at the prospect of their daughter marrying a man from Pakistan.
Despite what Islam says, most families in Saudi would consider it “marrying down” and would have a hard time with it.
Anyway, I wish you luck. When my blog was more active I used to receive all sorts of e-mails from men just like you looking to marry a Saudi woman. Most of them actually had Saudi fiancees and were finding it very hard to get government permission and more importantly, acceptance from the lady’s family.
Being a Westerner married to a Saudi lady, I know how it is.
I am a Saudi male who would like to marry my fiance who lives abroad and is not a Muslim ,she is christian and lives abroad.
She is not ready to convert and I do not believe in asking her to, especially when in Islam it is halal for a muslim man to marry people of the book.
What I would like to know, is what are the odds of receiving approval for permission, does anyone here know of Saudi men receiving permission to marry foreigners who have not converted to Islam?
Hamad,
Much regarding approval also pertains to your age and your profession.
http://americanbedu.com/2008/05/28/what-you-need-to-know-about-saudi-students-outside-the-kingdom/
this link may also help you in answering questions.
You are correct that a woman is not required or mandated to convert to Islam in order to marry a Saudi but the other requirements cited in the links and the post to which you commented do apply.
Chennie Tan,
Hi, i am also a Filipina married to a saudi man, Americanbedu was right, there is no such fance visa in saudi. All you have to do, let your fiance to ask permission from the MOI and to apply visa for you.
Take note: Approval of saudi government is not easy as what other people think, in my case i waited for almost 9 years for the approval, but my husband always rejected everytime he applied for my visa as his wife. There is WASTA, my husband paid loads of money just to approved his request of marrying non saudi.
After the approval of your visa, you both need to registered to the local civil registrar in our country then bring all your authenticated documents to the Saudi Embassy Manila. After the stamping of permitting you to enter Saudi Arabia, then you will be recognize as a saudi wife.
One would think it wouldn’t be as difficult for a citizen
to apply for leniency in such cases, amazing when you
realize you’re no different than a foriegner in this regard. I’m a Saudi citizen ( of Somali heritage )and am engaged to a woman who has a yemeni passport ( Somali/Syrian ). She was born AND raised here, feels Saudi, and is a cultured and bright woman. Abusinan had hit the nail on the head, without Wasta, you’re pleas fall on deaf ears, which is why I’ve had to bribe my way through all the processes, as I work in Dhahran ( Eastern Province ), I had to outsource my request by handing it to a Muraji ( Man who deals with government institutions in place of people who have not the time/tolerance to do so for a fee ). Started with this process late march, and if any of you are looking at todays date, June 28th, I still have not gotten my approval. What does that tell you, Ladies and Gentleman. I’m actually a citizen living WITHIN the borders of the country, wanting to get married to a woman who ( had things went right ) would have been born a Saudi citizen with ties to this country.
Is it a hassle? Yes. Is it frustrating? Yes. Will it be worth it when I eventually get the permission? Absolutely
Stay patient people and may Allah bless all those who believe and persevere.
@Aziz – Aziz, thank you for sharing with us. I do wish you and your fiance all the best and hope that approval comes through soonest. Please do let us know how your situation progresses.
Supposedly permission should arrive sometime
during the present week. A note to those out there,
you might be asked for things that seem absolutely
meaningless with regards to the process, if you’re
anything like me and have become so fed up, you
can just ignore them, as they seem superfluous.
The man I’ve given authority to handle my matter
asked for a copy of my fiancee’s passport as well as
her fathers. A day later I got a call from him telling me
he recieved the fax and now he wants a copy of
( get this ) her High School transcript. Suffice it to
say I told him he just better work with what he has
at his disposal or I will seek other avenues and
that he could forget about the rest of the money he
is promised. I told him she had travelled with her
family to Syria for the remaining summer and will
be back after Ramadhan is out ( a fantastic lie in
a sense, as she will leave for Syria but only for a
month at most ). He was apologetic and said he
would do his best. Lets just see what his best
can muster.
Its a waiting game to see who gets exhausted first,
and I implore you folk out there who’re in the same
boat as I am, dont lose patience and wait them out.
@Aziz – this is actually the second time I’ve heard that one has had to produce high school transcripts.
@American Bedu – Absurd is it not, its not as if she’s
applying to get a university degree, which she does
have. Its just another in a long line of hurdles put in
the way of people who want to marry the people they
chose, as I’ve said though, they wont make me kowtow
to their desired route. I’ll see this through to the end
inshallah.
Have a great beginning to your new week tommorow.
@Aziz – all the best to you!
WOW!! A real BIG WOW! An eye opener! And I had the thought of marrying a non Saudi… ‘Nevermind’!
I wonder though, what’s happened with Abu Sinan, David, Yasmine, Rose, Jannah, Shari, Tesol, Mishka, Chennie Tan, Hamad, Len and Aziz. It would be nice to get an update from all of them! I really hope from the bottom of my heart that their problems have been solved.
@Nader – I do not like to rain on a parade but I hear more sad stories rather than ones with the happy endings such as all the approvals in place.
I’ve been trying to think of other countries which have such restrictions as those placed upon ones wanting to marry (to foreigners) in Saudi Arabia but I do believe Saudi is at the top of the list with challenges to overcome.
Tara Umm Omar has an excellent post on this topic, “Relapse into Tribalism”, featuring an unusual and interesting perspective raised by Maram Makkawi:
http://taraummomar.blogspot.com/2009/07/relapse-into-tribalism.html
The counterexample to the foreigner/Saudi marriage difficulties addressed there is also addressed by Qusay in an excellent post on the broader topic of male-female relationships and misogyny in Saudi, “Sticks & Stones can break my bones… but words…”:
http://precognitive.wordpress.com/2009/07/08/sticksnstones/
Just thought I’d post an update and inform that my
permission has finally arrived. In retrospect, I
should’ve taken this route of managing the process
myself from the beginning, but one does not know
until they’re forced to act. Had I not started the process
in Ramadhan, it would’ve taken only two weeks for it
to be granted, but what with Ramadhan hours and
Eid celebrations after, it was extended for a couple of
weeks.
Best of luck to all those out there who still have some
distance to go, just dont falter and keep battling.
@Aziz,
Mabrook!!!! What wonderful news to share! I’m really happy for you.
Regards, Carol
Carol,
Thank you for the mabrook. Heres hoping my
small victory paves the way for more unions being
recognized by our Government.
Have a good evening ahead
Dearest :everyone,
Hello, to all here in the blog especially to the owner .Its been a long times ,I never visit here ?I was been busy for the past month.Anyway, thank you for some advices! Im contented staying here at the philippines even, I never been at my fiance country? its too hard to process some documents and many complicated. It’s better we will marry here at my country atleast ,legally in the eyes of the god . That we love each other ! doesn’t matter what country break our wall to be lived together as long we loved each other. Because ,im ready to sacrifice my love and he loves me so much .Even in a long distance love affair,I can’t say his fault why its hard to be with him in his country ? only his country government give hard times to protect his people citizens to marry a foreighners? i can’t blame him for the rules and regalations its’ not on his hand.But, for his love was I do admire him.Because, we just like romeo and juliet or its against all odds .I love him so much and he do the same way.may god bless you all and thank you very much ! Im happy to see you all here once again.
@Chennie tan,
Welcome back and wishing you all the best.
Very interesting and informative post!! I enjoy reading all of them! This one in particular as Im a Brit planning to marry a Saudi man. I wanted to just ask about something that I didnt find on here (forgive me if I missed it). I understand he needs to get approval and all but all I have been seeing is things about UNDER age 35…well my bf is over 35 so my question is how does the law differ for Saudi men OVER age 35 wanting to marry a foreign woman??
Also, I have a child from a previous marriage. Is getting her into KSA a whole new can of worms to open or does she basically get the same status/visa as I will get (inshallah)??
Thanks so much in advance! Salaam =)
@Tamz,
Welcome! Glad you enjoyed the post. As long as your spouse does not work for any of the Ministries or organizations which prohibit marriage to a foreigner, you should not have the same restrictions given his age.
In regards to children, my understanding is that you may need documentation which clearly states you have custody to take your child to Saudi with you.
Thank you so much for your reply!!! =)
you’re welcome Tamz. Please do not hesitate if you have any additional questions.
astaghferullah, u know if something like adultery or premarital sex happened between non-saudi women and saudi men, the saudi government will have the responsibilty to give their answers to Allah on the judgment day. SERVE U RIGHT!!!! Allah make all of us to be equal and making halal matters like marriage complicated will cause sins!!!!!!
Hi, female Saudi who has just finished reading all comments and is glad she is not alone in the world. In terms of marriage or not, Saudi is a place where you either fit in or you don’t. If you don’t do what everyone else is doing then you are an outsider. If you are having trouble fitting in then you better get out asap. Props to all you foreigners getting into this so eagerly. As for me, I have had every possible reason to get out emphasized through a world of fear driven indoctrination (culturally and unfortunately as a result, religiously) that has been a weight on my shoulders since the day I was born. I’m definitely an outsider trapped in…
For anyone who is interested, this briefly discusses the perils of marrying an ‘outsider’ among other seriously depressing things…
http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/type,COUNTRYREP,FREEHOU,,49bf7ad7c,0.html
Welcome Outsider and thanks for your comment. I very much appreciate and enjoy hearing the perspectives and views of those who are Saudi in regards to such a topic such as marriage and the various restrictions.
I was really feeling very comfortable with my life in KSA when my Prince was taken away too abruptly.
prince?
My beloved husband.
I’m very sorry to hear that.
Luckily, comfort in Saudi Arabia is easy in a world where it is common to live within the safety of enclosed walls. Issues remain hidden, and little is resolved or accomplished. Many in Saudi Arabia live in this ignorance.
While many are those who have no protection, no shelter, no rights and are consequently left vulnerable and exposed against their will.
By no means am I pointing the finger at any specific person. I am merely providing a simple form of social commentary on the unfortunate, yet accepted ways of life in the country.
[...] in order for a couple to live together in the Kingdom or travel together to the Kingdom. The approval process alone can try the patience of many couples who only wish to be legally recognized as a husband and [...]
My fiance and I both want work in Saudi Arabia, I am British & Muslim and she is Australian and Christian. We are planning a wedding in the UK next year but want to have the Nikah here in Saudi Arabia as soon as possible so that we may be able to travel together etc, we are both in our mid 40′s.
What would be the procedure for us to do this and have the Nikah recognised as a legal marriage in Saudi Arabia so that we can be considered man and wife without having to go to Embassies etc…..
Would be grateful for any info as to whom I should be contacting…. Cheers.
@confused,
I do not know the laws as they pertain to non-Saudis getting married in Saudi. My suggestion is that you ask someone from your local mosque, such as the Iman.
Good luck!
[...] confusing at the best of times. How many other countries in the world would require governmental approval for a couple to marry if one of the pair is not a national of the country? How many places in the [...]
a wonderful site and post – I was thinking about marriage with a Saudi Girl (married underage, divorced on her choice – took her 10 years -now nearly 30) – and I wonder a) Did this draft become the new law? b) why show the statistics that nearly as many Saudi-women marry non-Saudi, as Saudi men marry non Saudi (both near 2000 of 150.000 Saudi marriages/year)
_ while most articels claim it is easier for men, just one said it s easier for (“elder”) women to get that permissions … -
c) that the process is just too much (if you do not yet have any real relationship, just sympathy and skype…)
I know, you do not know about 2 non-saudi; as I may not “convert” then (I am a Hanif, was and always will be) – two “infidels” would not go to the Imam, but where?
Anyone knows? Google is full of the saudi-non saudi issue,
@Hans,
Welcome and thank you for your comment. The draft has not been made law.
Here are some earlier posts I had written about marriages of a Saudi woman to a foreigner:
http://americanbedu.com/2008/01/29/saudi-women-who-wish-to-marry-a-foreigner/
http://americanbedu.com/2008/01/27/reflections-from-a-western-man-with-a-saudi-wife/
I’m not sure if these will help you as you are correct in that there is not too much information for a non-muslim foreigner and a Saudi woman.
Best to you.
[...] she wants to please him. Or he has told her that it will be easier to acquire the governmental marriage approval or his family may accept her easier…if only she will [...]
Sallamalaykum,hi,im a filipina married to a saudi here in sharia(muslim) court for 10years now.in 2003 i went home to manila to give birth with our daughter,since that time we could not go back to jeddah because the government doesnt want to give permission for my husband to bring me there and make me legally his wife in saudi government.the government in saudi arabia has rules that legal age for men to marry is 34 or 35yrs n it will be easy to marry a foreigner if the saudi man is divorced.in both cases my husband is not,he is from time we got married he is only 21 and hes never been married to a saudi and he never want.now our daughter is 7years old,and shes living here with me in philippines.it breaks our hearts everytime my husband comes home(here in manila) then leave for jeddah.my husband already is so fed up with the rules,as nothing states in quran that you could not marry diffrent nationality.we got married so fast when we met because we are sure that we love each other and dont want to live in sin,having realtions w/o marriage,and i am a muslim too,the only problem is if your not rich and without any connection in saudi arabia,youll be like us,till now hoping for them to give us hope that someday they will acknowledge our marriage and that we are a family.my daughter has been strugling with heart condition,and its so heart breaking to see her cry everynite that her dad goes back to jeddah.she could actually go there with him its easy,the government allows it,but she couldnt stay even a minute without me,and it will make the matter in her heart worst,as she could not be stressed or any great emotions.inshallah,theres a person out there,or here that could help us thou we are a stranger to you…we would appreciate and be thankful if anyone of you could help us..may ALLAH bless us all.
@Cynch,
I am very sorry to hear of your situation. I can’t imagine being married for so long and having to live apart with your daughter from your husband. At least your husband has been able to come and visit you – that is one bright spot for which to give thanks.
The Saudi regulations on foreign marriages are very strict and even more so when the Saudi is below age 35. As you mentioned, even though the government will not recognize your marriage, your daughter can be given the citizenship.
Praying for you, Carol
carol,
thats the most we can do right now.thou our daughter still misses her dad,she always hugs his clothes till she falls asleep.i saw alot of people same situation like us,allhamdalulah they are already given a permission to be in jeddah coz of wastah(connection) and some paid a lot of money.but for us we dnt have both,no wastah,and my husbands salary is just enough for us and for himand his mom in jeddah as he took all the responsibility when his dad died in paying a lot of their loans.thank you so so much thou i am a stranger to you,you including us in your prayer will help a lot..thank you carol .hope to hear from you again.
thank you so so much for the sympathy.yes its very difficult,for us,specially to our daughter.because shes very close to her dad,from the moment i gave birth with my daughter my husband made sure whenever he is here in manila w my us,hes the one taking care of her,changing diapers,feeding her,waking up in the middle of the nite,till now he does the same,when hes here.mashallah i have a good husband and he is very loving father.thats why its so hard to see him go each time.for seven years we still couldnt get used to it,we still cry when he leaves,and he cries as soon as he hugs us and say goodbye.good thing right now,these days,technology helps us to see each other through internet,most of the time we are in ym for 24hours as long as he doesnt have work n he is at home,so we can see each other n wake up finding we are just an internet away
When the Governor of Jeddah has an open majlis your husband should go there with a letter to pass to him asking for help. Alternatively is there any chance of your husband (and his mom) relocating to Manila?
hi carol,
i will tell mu husband about that.if its easy for my husband and my mother in law to live here,we will be so happy as my husband already wanted to live here long time ago.but his work is in jeddah and he has so many debts that he needs to pay.financially he cant leave or resign from his job as its also one way that he can come here to manila sometimes free coz he works in the airline.and for me i rather live in jeddah,coz its safer there than in manila.i lived in jeddah for 4years,and thou some of the things there makes me uncomfortable,i feel more home in jeddah than in my home country manila.i need and want to live in a muslim country,as you know philippines is a christian country,its so difficult for us in so many ways.i know Allah has reasons for everything,inshallah we will be in one home…when that time comes ill be the happiest woman in the whole world.thank you again carol.
Thanks for the informative blog.
Question: Is it possible for 2 Muslim foreigners to marry in Saudi Arabia, given both bride’s and groom’s families will be present for the wedding? (Male holds work visa and bride and her family will be on visit visa)
I know this is a specific question, but I can’t google an answer yet for this..
Thanks!
Nihal
Yes Nihal, it is entirely possible – just go to any Marriage court in your city and they will issue the papers for marriage between two muslims….any on the marriege sheikhs in your city can do it too..
Salam, good day! I am a Filipina… My fiance is Saudi National and we are planning to get marry after he have the approval from Saudi Government and finish everything that are required to be done.
My question is: For all the processing my fiance will go through before we get marry, usually how many months will it take to finish? How many months will I be waiting before we can pursue to our marriage and leave freely in Saudi Arabia and be recognised by Saudi Government?
I badly need your answer…
Thanks in advance…
@ lyka. your fiance has to be at least 35 years old or older. He also needs a lot of wasta and bribe money.
Time will be 5 years or more, 10 years or if bad luck or no money and wasta you will not get permission.
if he loves you he will live outside of saudi with you.
@ Save the Women
I was a bit moved when I read your reply, how my fiance will be living outside the Kingdom when he worked in Saudi, but thanks for the responce though.
Is this already one of Saudi rules? Is processing really take 5 years or more?
Allah help!
Anyway my fiance is going to be 35 this year, he started processing 5 months ago and yet I already felt like waiting years and years. I must admit 5 years or more (as you have said) of waiting really needs a lot of patience but that’s frustrating though… =_(
Anybody here who’s in my situation. How many years/months NOW you are waiting to have the visa to be recognise as Saudi legal wife?
And to those who already got the permission and live in Saudi legally w/ their husbands (Alhamdullilah), how many years you have waited to have all processing done?
Please anyone who can share me some of their story as on how long did you wait to have everything all done. And be recognised and live freely in Saudi. In this way you can help me lifting my spirit up and continue fighting all the odds w/ my fiance, it’ll be a huge help spiritually and emotionally as everyone knows success stories really do inspire people….
Thanks in Advance!!! =_(
Assalamualakum…
I have few questions… I found this wonderful site and got strength somehow because finally someone out here could answer my questions.
I am Janna, a Filipina muslim having Saudi fiance. We are aware of the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia when it comes to getting foreigner partner, that’s why my fiance tried his very best and luckily We were granted and finally my fiance got my wife visa after a year and a half.
He was about to come here in Philippines last January 2011 when something shocking came up, he found out that for some problem he got a TRAVEL BAN, and it will be lifted after a year.
My whole world crumbled and crushed after hearing of this. When I thought everything is ready and all fixed up, sadly this happened… But Allah is with us, life must go on, I have to move and find somehow ways to help my fiance and I’ll start by asking you an advice on what to do and if there are personnel I’ll be needing to talk to, who would they be?
I’m so wishing that you could give me an advice on what to do next. I’m so confuse but this site gave me hope. It will mean so much to me if you could tell me some informations that we might need to solve our problem. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
@lyka
hi,im filipina too,pls read my post as you will have an idea.but i think your situation is a little bit easier,coz if you fiance is almost 35 years old maybe the government will give him the permission,inshallah,without wastah.and you didnt get married before the permission right?coz if you do,it will be more complicated like mine.wer married already 11 years now,but still no permission,still my husband is trying to go to the prince.with no wastah n bribe money as save the women said,it is really difficult to have that permission.but i wish you n your fiance would get it asap,inshallah.but for the meantime,dont except that it wil be finished within a week or a month,coz saudi government works so slow when it comes to processing papers specially when it comes to permission for marrying foreigners specially asians.wish you luck.
There really are no timelines in regards to how long it takes to obtain the Saudi marriage approval. Each case is truly individual and with its own unique features. I truly wish that I could make a chart which would make it easy for one to clearly see the process and the possible timelines….hmmmm…something I’m going to ponder on.
@ cynch
Thanks for sharing, I read your post and I felt so sad about your situation, my heart goes to you especially to your child. I salute you for enduring and tolerating this much of time, I mean 11 years????!!! Wow! That only proves your true love to each other…
I have few filipina friends who are too married to Saudi men, they as well all stayed here in the Philippines and wait for their papers to finish and luckily they only waited for maximum 1 year and got their wife visas done. Some of them even hold Saudi nationality now.
One of them was exactly like your situation, in 2004, my friend and her Saudi fiancé got married first here in Philippines before taking the permission, approval and so on… Her husband went (after a month of staying in Philippines) back to KSA to start processing their papers and my friend was left here PREGNANT.
But after almost two years (2006), her husband came back here in Philippines, processed everything in Saudi Embassy in Manila and was able to bring her as well as their daughter back to KSA. Now they have 2 beautiful kids and my friend got recently the Saudi Nationality.
Her husband is not that rich, but he took attorney (as wastah) to finish everything for them ( he’s the same wastah who’s processing our papers now) and alhamdullilah, they’ve succeeded, hope we will too…
By the way when my friend’s Saudi husband started to work on their papers, he was only 29 years old. I guess it’s all up to the wastah and how clever and quick he will be when it comes to processing and follow ups…
I hope this story will give you strength to hold on. In God’s time we will soon have our turn. We just have to pray, Allah is always there!
I hope we can chat through YM one day, sure! I’d love to hear more from you…
I’ll pray for you and your child too… God Bless! =)
@lyka,
ill wait for your reply ,thanks sis c”,)
thanks so much for reading n replying on my post.inshallah me you will finish your permission soon.thanks also for the sympathy i really appreciate it.i have to say,thou its hard that wer away from my husband for so many years now,theres also good things that it has done to us specially to me and my husband.our relationship becomes stronger mashallah.i would love to chat with you too.if you have a facebook account,pls let me know here so ill message you in facebook and give you my email.good luck to you and your fiance,inshallah inshallah you will get your permission soon
@cynch
Good day sis…
I’m happy to hear that! I guess what matters most is that you love each other so much. Who says long distance love affair is easy? But since you’ve got that word ‘LOVE’ within you both w/ matching cute li’l half Saudi half Filipino girl, there will be no boundaries, nothing is impossible, right?
Anyway I don’t have facebook account sis, but I do use YM, it_is_me_lyka@yahoo.com, add me up, I’ll wait for you…
It would be my pleasure having you as my friend, we could use a li’l advice and help each other out, after all we are on the same shoe. =D But Allah is merciful, for as long as we continue pray, I’m fairly certain! Allah will listen…
Take care sis, I’ll be waiting for you…
God bless you and your family… =D
@lyka,
thanks so much!i already added you in ym,hope we could chat soon!this blog is really helpful in so many ways,now i know wer not the only one in this situation,and reading good results after a lot of struggle from some ppl also here in this blog gave me alot of hope.hope to hear from you sis!
Hi there,
I am saudi and I wanna get married to a European girl…
Is there anyone out there can help with the visa plz.
plz let me know and contact me by email
fahad039@hotmail.com
Hello everyone and asslamu alikum .
I was searching about the same thing and then I found your blog , its soo much informative . Thank you so much .
And I thought about telling you a little bit about my story/experience .
I’m a 20 year old saudi girl . I’m engaged to an American revert / convert muslim who’s studying Arabic and Shariah ( islamic law ) here in the Islamic University Of Madinah . The story began when I was 16 years old and it’s a very long story but I will make it short .
I started to work on Dawah ( calling people to the truth ) at the age of 16 maybe ! .. I gave dawah to many non-muslims and of course I met many revert muslims and since then I became very interested in Dawah , reverts , religions and cultures since they were all non-saudis ..
Muslims may agree that reverts are more excited about Islam and dawah than born muslims , in general if Allah guides someone he becomes more excited about Islam and also becomes close to Allah ( I can also see that in myself when Allah guided me when I was 16 ) . During my Dawah I came across many good and religious reverts Mash Allah and I was impressed , and I will tell you that this made me want to marry a revert Muslim and I have been dreaming about marrying a pious revert for the past 2 years and I was always making Dua ( prayers of supplication ) that Allah will provide me with a pious revert muslim .. It’s difficult to find reverts here since all saudis are born muslims but I never gave up Dua . I asked my brother to find me a revert muslim from whatever country as long as he’s religious and can lead me to Jannah – Paradise – and can help me with Dawah , but he was real busy because he’s studying in America and can’t do so much for me since he’s not living in SA although he promised to do his best ..
One year later I almost lost my hope about marrying a revert because I was getting older and many people asked me for marriage ( not good ones though otherwise I was going to say yes ) even though I never stopped making Dua .. Subhan Allah after a few months Allah sent me this man whos I think is religious and a good person Allahu A’lam – Allah knows best – and he spoke to my brother about marriage , and he told my brother that he wants us to move to the same house in winter break .
I’ve read about the rules on marrying a foreigner even before I knew this guy , and I must say that unfortunately these rules are against Islam and against the beautiful teachings of the prophet Muhammed – peace and blessings be upon him – there’s no difference between poor and rich people , there’s no difference between white and black people . we’re all from Adam and we were all created from the same thing ( Clay/sand ) and we’ll all return to the same place which is the grave !!
There are so many good muslim people here Alhamdulillah it’s just my preference to marry a revert muslim .
I was happy and frustrated when I first entered this nice blog . Happy that I knew that I wasn’t the only one and that I seen people have experiences , and frustrated when I knew that its hard for a Saudi girl to get married to a Non-saudi husband ..
I’m fearful of many things :
1- They’ll say No because I heard that the legal age is 25 and above . I’m 20 and he’s 25
2- They’ll say no because the guy that I’m engaged to is a student and he just works as an English tutor .
3- I will not be able to live with him in the same house .
4- He’ll get bored and will not be able to wait until they give us the permission ( he doesn’t know much about this long process and I don’t actually wish for him to wait and then it may happen and it may not happen )
5- My parents will not be able to help us with this long process since its boring and require hard work .
6- Our children , I was thinking about this alot . He told my brother that if this worked out then he would love to live in both countries and I also would love to give our children both the Saudi and the American citizenship ( nationality ) so they wouldn’t be separated from my family and his family and so they wouldn’t be considered as strangers here in Saudi or in America as well . But I heard that the kids from a Saudi mother can’t have the Saudi citizenship even if they were born here !! which made me think alot about this .
I believe that if Allah has wrote this for me and this guy then its gonna work out whatever happens , those thoughts were just on mind .
This guy has a wasta with prince Naif but I’m not sure if this wasta can be useful , any idea about how does Wasta work here ?
And I wish I can contact with you American Bedu , if you don’t mid or with any Saudi woman who is married to a non-Saudi husband . Your help and suggestions will be much appreciated ..
Shokran and thank you so much for taking your time to read my story ..
Best Regards
to Znb…
salllamalaykum,i am married to a saudi,but till now for 11 years we are still waiting for the saudi government to make our marriage legal in your country…thou saudi government is making our life difficult coz we are away from my husband,he is in jeddah me n our kids are here in manila,i can’t put all the blame to them,coz this is what we chose,i mean we chose to get married asap and not wait for our permission to be granted,all we need to do is make the most everytime with everything.allhamdalulah,as a family we are so happy,and we never make our distance as an excuse not to have a good relationship…my husbands relatives ,some of his aunties are saudi and married to lebanese citizen,their kids are with them in jeddah,thou they are not saudi,they are living happily in jeddah,and since they are not saudis they could come and go and work outside the country they please and the best thing is they married without complications,i mean when they married non saudi they dont need permission..the downside that i could only think of is i dont think they have same benefits from the government as saudi citizens thou their mom is a saudi,coz they took their fathers nationality..but allhamdalulah they have good jobs n family in jeddah…
and if your fiance has a wastah in prince naifs office,i really think you will be granted permission,inshallah..even it will take time…
all u need to decide is if u really want this marriage,that no matter what,you need to be patient from getting the permission specially when its approved and u have kids…i believe always ,when it’s Allahs’ will,things will work out..but u have to work hard for it too…..Inshallah sister everything works out for you and your fiance…
Salam everybody.My name is Sana,and im facing same problem as most of you here.Im originaly Ukrainian women living in US.My man that i truly love and he loves me is Saudi.He is stuyding in US right now.We wonna get married,we wonna have family.I was dreaming aout this kind of men all my life.Im Christian and he s Muslim.I respect Islam,and know how great is this religion.I also understand that goverment regulaions has nothing to do wth Islam.Islam is great religion,but goverment is not living by it.Why?????
His family aproved our plan to get married.He asked a permission from his govermet and he got refused right away,Cause their is some new regulations about this law that came out this year.Basicy we cant get married at all ,never by Saudi laws.
What to do now,we dont know.Maybe sombody have some advises,im so new to all this.Please help us to be together.I dont whant my lovly man to be disconected from his family also.
Maybe somebody has some ideas,please brothers and sisters.
Shokran,ill realy apreciate any respond.
@sana,
assallamalaykum sister,i readc about your post.tell your fiance,to go a prince for foreign relations.he might help him on his permission.they will discourage him there,but tell him just go everyday till he talked to the prince…good luck inshallah your permission will be granted soon.
Salam Cynch,
Shokran sister.Apreciate your advise,thank you.I will tell him about it.So you are saying its possible?
@sana,
sallamalaykum,yes it is possible,i already had friends who are given permission coz their husbands went to the prince or they paid for their permission.just tell your fiance be patient coz it could take him few months or few/lot of years….inshallah sister may your fiance be granted permission soon..good luck!
Hi all,
I am Saudi and I have American girlfriend I want to marry. I met her when I was studying in oklahoma, I was aware of the rules regarding saudi marriage of foreigner so I decided to wait till I am done with my studies. I would like to know the rules in details please. Any advice would help I want to get approval before getting married. Also I am under the age of 25 is that a problem? Please anyone succeed in getting the approval I need your help
[...] They meet, fall quickly in love and marry. This woman is likely unaware of the marriage permission process which is required for a Saudi to marry a foreigner. She thinks their marriage is solid and that [...]
hello guys,
its been a long time searching this blogs, thank you for all your comments somehow it helps me and gain information..
i am Filipino guy and i had a half saudi/filipino girlfriend she was raise in philippines and live in philippines more than in the kingdom, please advice as we are planning to get married in live in philippines but both of us now is in saudi arabia but next year we will go home in philippines to get married is this possible? by the way her parents already agreed but the only thing we dont know what will be the process as she is holding saudi citizenship. appreciate you response..
hi im filipina with saudi boyfriend..im here right now in jedah..we want to get married with my bf..but i read all ur story here it makes me scared..we love its other we want to be together as family..
@Raygel, I strongly advise that your boyfriend apply and obtain the marriage approval before getting married. There are too many risks involved to both you and him.
Too all,
I have to agree with the AB, it is better to go the route of getting permission first. The permission from MOI has gotten easier than say 10-15 years ago.
@Znb
If you are hajaji and not tribal, then sometimes wave the 25 year old limit. I have seen this, and with wasta any exception is possible. Don’t look at nationality so much. The only way for my children can get a KSA passport having a Saudia mother is for me to forfit my US passport and take a KSA. Not going to happen. I don’t find the passport issue a big deal though. I have seen the not getting MOI permission before marriage a problem though. Many government workers attitudes are, if you didn’t care about it before you got marriage, why sould we care to give it to you after you get married.
@Sana
Don’t give up hope, one of my Saudi friends got married to an Ukrainian woman and they are expecting their first child soon. The key to convincing the governments for permission is with the fathers. If the father of the saudi is willing to keep after the government, they usually give in eventually, its more of a traditional respect. If the father isn’t on board with this, it gets very difficult.
Excellent advice and comments, Lonnie.
[...] is simple to marry a foreign woman either. For a Saudi man, he must not only obtain governmental approval for the marriage (at least to live together legally in the Kingdom and for her to be recognized as [...]
Hello Everybody,
I am a Jordanian (muslim) living in Saudi Arabia. I met with a woman (Christian) from the Philippines and we decided to get married. The lawyer said that since she is living here without a male guardian (mahrram), she needs to get a letter of delegation of authority from her father to authorize a local agent to perform the marriage contract on his behalf.
We are struggling however to know what is the appropriate syntax and how this letter can be made and any necessary notarizations that are required before sending it to Saudi to be used in the court..
Has anybody went through a similar experience? We would be thankful for your feedback since our lawyer is inexperienced and incompetent and is not providing us with any help.
Thanks
@Amer,
Congratulations! I would suggest that you and your fiance visit the Phillipine embassy who probably has had experience in this matter and can give you guidance.
Best Regards,
Bedu