Saudi allows women to live alone without male guardian’s consent

Judicial authorities abolished Article 169, Paragraph B of the Law of Procedures before Sharia Courts, which stipulates that an unmarried, divorced, or widowed adult female must be handed over to her male guardian.

It was replaced by a new legal provision stating, “An adult woman has the right to choose where to live. A woman’s guardian can only report her if he has evidence that she has committed a crime.”

The text also states that “if a woman is



sentenced to imprisonment, she will not be handed over to her guardian after the expiry of her term.”

“Families can no longer file lawsuits against their daughters who chose to live on their own,” Gulf News quoted lawyer Nayef al-Mansi. He said that the courts will no longer accept such cases which were given priority earlier.

Earlier in January, the Kingdom allowed women of 18 years of age or above who have an ID card will be able to change their name without the guardian’s permission.

In August 2019, Saudi Arabia also lifted travel restrictions on Saudi women. Saudi women over the age of 21 are allowed to apply for passports and travel freely without the permission of a male guardian.

As part of the Vision 2030 plans being implemented in the country under the leadership of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, many new areas have been opened up for women.

As part of the Vision 2030 plans being implemented in the country under the leadership of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, many new areas have been opened up for women.