Saudi Arabia Enacts New Personal Status Regulations to Enhance Legal Framework on Family Affairs

On February 23, 2025, Saudi Arabia officially implemented the new Personal Status Regulations, marking a significant advancement in the legal framework governing family affairs. This move follows the approval of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, demonstrating the nation's commitment to aligning its laws with Islamic principles while adhering to international best practices.

Overview of the New Regulations

The regulations consist of 41 articles and authorize the Minister of Justice to establish necessary procedures for dealing with marriage contracts conducted without prior approval from relevant authorities. This initiative ensures that such cases are handled efficiently, in coordination with concerned entities, allowing for additional regulations as needed based on judicial applications.

A key aspect of these regulations is the requirement for official documentation of marriage contracts between non-Muslims, regardless of their nationality. This step aims to enhance transparency and legal compliance in family matters.

Rights and Protections Under the New Framework

The Personal Status Law provides several protections and rights to individuals within a marriage:

• Marriage Annulment: A wife can request an annulment if her husband's condition prevents marital relations, ensuring this right is preserved even if immediate legal action was not pursued.
• Privacy in Marriage: The law considers the presence of a third party capable of distinguishing relationships as a breach of spousal privacy.
• Child Custody Rights: A mother retains custody rights over her child under two years old, even after remarrying someone unrelated to the child.

These regulations also set the legal age for marriage at 18 and reinforce a woman’s right to financial support from her husband. Additionally, they allow women to request annulment based on specific circumstances.

Broader Legal Reform Initiative

The Personal Status Law is part of a broader legal reform initiative announced in February 2021 by the Crown Prince. This comprehensive plan includes four key legal frameworks: Personal Status Law, Civil Transactions Law, Penal Code for Discretionary Sanctions, and Law of Evidence.

With these new regulations, Saudi Arabia continues to modernize its legal systems, ensuring they reflect both traditional values and contemporary societal needs. This initiative is a testament to the nation's dedication to upholding justice and equality within family law.