SAUDI ARABIA: Women to get divorce notification by text message in new law

Authorities in Saudi Arabia have enacted a new law which will now see married women notified by text message when they get divorced.

Reports say the new law which came into effect on Sunday seeks to end secret divorces and ensure women are fully aware of their marital status so they can protect rights such as alimony.

“Saudi courts have started to send such (divorce) notifications … a step aimed at protecting the rights of female clients,” the Saudi Ministry of Justice said in a statement on their website.

Accoridng to the new law, women could now check their marital status on the ministry’s website or visit the relevant court to get a copy of divorce papers.

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“In most Arab countries, men can just divorce their wives,” said Suad Abu-Dayyeh from global rights group, Equality Now.

“At least women will know whether they are divorced or not. It is a tiny step, but it is a step in the right direction,” she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone.

The new law comes as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has started to give women more rights in the conservative kingdom, which included lifting a ban on women driving last year.

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