Saudi women allowed to travel abroad without male guardian’s permission

The reforms are widely celebrated in the kingdom, but they also draw backlash from some people

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Tuesday began implementing a landmark reform allowing women over the age of 21 to receive passports and travel abroad without permission from a male ‘guardian’, authorities said.

The reform, announced earlier this month, weakens the restrictive guardianship system that has long been a symbol of repression against women.

"The passport department has started receiving applications for women aged 21 and above to issue or renew passports and to travel outside the kingdom without permission," the department said on Twitter.

The Passports and Civil Affairs departments in all regions of #SaudiArabia have started to execute the Royal Order issues on the 30th of July, by which women above the age of 21 will be able to travel without permission and to exercise more control over family matters. pic.twitter.com/GwYPN5seAy

— CIC Saudi Arabia (@CICSaudi) August 20, 2019

Women in the kingdom have long required permission from their male ‘guardians’ -- husband, father and other male relatives -- for these tasks, a restriction that drew international censure.

Saudi Arabia allows women to travel without male 'guardian' approval

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 recognised as a guardian to children who are minors -- same as men.

The reforms were widely celebrated in the kingdom, but they also drew backlash from many.

Some also denounced the change as "unIslamic" in a society that traditionally sees men as protectors of women.

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.