2 August 2019

Saudi Arabia allows women to travel without men’s permission

On 2 August, Saudi authorities changed the guardianship law regarding women’s right to ask for a passport and leave the country without men’s permission. Previously, Saudi women needed men’s consent (from their husband, brother or father) in order to do so. The new law also includes other small reforms such as the possibility for women to register a marriage, divorce or child’s birth or become children’s legal guardians. Saudi Arabia has one of the worst records in terms of gender equality: for instance, Saudi women can’t pass the citizenship to their children or give them consent to get married. For this reason, there are many cases of high profile women seeking asylum abroad. The reform is part of the new policy of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is trying to reform the economy, pushing for women’s entrance in the workforce and trying to improve the kingdom’s image abroad.

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