Saudi Arabia begins implementing the lifting of restrictions on women's travel

RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia on Tuesday began enforcing a royal decree allowing women over the age of 21 to obtain a passport and exit the kingdom without the permission of a guardian.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the Passport Department has already received requests for travel documents from women over 21 and that other women have been able to travel abroad without permission. of their parents. The procedure will be effective from the end of the month.

Women no longer need the permission of the guardian, whether it be her husband, father, brother or other male relatives, whether she wishes to travel or obtain official documents.

The government has also given women greater control over family affairs. They are officially allowed, at a royal ceremony, to register their births, marriages and divorces and are recognized by law as recommendations addressed to their children.

Many welcomed the series of "reforms" introduced by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aimed at amending women's legislation, while some have condemnedThe changes are "un-Islamic" in this conservative society. .

Social media have seen the reactions of Some conservatives who have shared many old cleric speeches support state laws.

The reforms come after many calls from Saudi women for the abolition of the wilaya system and the recognition of all their rights.

Recently, a number of Saudi girls have fled because of alleged abuses despite a series of reforms undertaken by the Saudi Crown Prince.

Observers believe the announced measures, including allowing women to drive, can not overshadow the authorities' attempts to repress anyone critical of the regime in the kingdom, especially as many women's rights defenders are still behind. the bars, including activist Jane Hathloul and many others who have called. Abolish the state system.

They have been charged with offenses such as breaching state security or communicating with foreign entities.