New Law for Women in Saudi Arabia: Travel Without Male Guardian's Permission

(Patria) – In accordance with a new law published on Friday, women in Saudi Arabia will no longer need permission from a male guardian to travel, agencies report.

They will also be able to independently apply for a passport, register a marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child, and obtain official family documents that will allow them to get an ID card and enroll their children in school.

However, under laws that remain in effect, women in Saudi Arabia still need a man's permission to be released from prison, leave a safe house, or get married. Also, unlike men, women cannot transfer citizenship to their children or give them permission to marry.

The initiator of the new law is Saudi Arabian Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is actively seeking to make an impression as a modern reformer. Since he ascended to the throne, he has initiated a series of social and economic changes aimed, among other things, at reducing the country's dependence on oil exports. He has also introduced changes to the strict laws concerning the status of women; last year, the ban on women driving motor vehicles was lifted, and women can now study at universities without the permission of a male family member, undergo surgery, or get employed.

Prince Mohammed has also reduced the powers of the religious police, which used to detain women if they considered them inappropriately dressed, or, for example, break up gatherings attended by both women and men.

The new rules approved by King Salman will allow any resident of Saudi Arabia over the age of 21 to travel without prior permission, as well as to independently apply for a passport, writes The Guardian.