Saudi courts to review marriages concluded without official approval

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Justice has finalised a new mechanism allowing courts to hear cases seeking validation of marriage contracts concluded between Saudi citizens and foreign nationals without prior official approval.

Under the new procedures, cases involving unpermitted marriages will be reviewed by Civil Status Courts, with the aim of stabilising families, resolving related legal issues and formally documenting marriages in line with the Civil Status Law.

The Ministry said the process applies to marriage contracts concluded without obtaining authorisation from the relevant authorities. As part of the mechanism, applications to validate a marriage will be referred to the competent department at the Saudi Ministry of Justice, which will coordinate with the Saudi Ministry of Interior to determine whether notarisation can proceed.

If the Ministry of Interior confirms approval by the authorised authority, the case will be referred to the court for consideration and adjudication in accordance with applicable legal provisions. If approval is denied, the court will rule the claim inadmissible, and requests to complete the marriage documentation will not be accepted.

The Ministry of Justice said the new framework is designed to regulate documentation procedures while preventing breaches of regulations governing marriages between Saudis and non-Saudis.

It added that the arrangements do not affect the courts’ ability to hear claims related to rights arising from marriage contracts, including alimony, divorce, inheritance and lineage, which will continue to be addressed under existing laws.

The move reflects efforts to balance legal compliance with the protection of family rights, while reinforcing oversight of cross-border marriages in the Kingdom.