Saudi Arabia allows women to travel abroad without permission from male guardian

In Saudi Arabia, a landmark reform allowing women over the age of 21 to receive passports and travel abroad without permission from a male guardian has begun.

The reform comes after high-profile attempts by women to escape alleged guardianship abuse despite a string of reforms by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, including a landmark decree last year that overturned the world's only ban on women drivers.

In



other changes unveiled earlier this month, Saudi women were also granted the right to officially register childbirth, marriage or divorce and to be recognized as a guardian to children who are minors -- same as men.

The reform comes as the OPEC petroleum producer reels from low oil prices and seeks to boost employment opportunities for women -- currently facing chronic joblessness.