Saudi Arabia officially bans under-18 marriage

Saudi Arabia through its Ministry of Justice has prohibited child marriages, setting 18 years as the minimum age for marriage.

Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council Sheikh Dr. Walid Al-Samaani issued a circular to all courts stressing the banning of marriage for persons under 18 years.

All courts in the country were directed to refer the marriage application of anyone under 18 to a special court to make sure that “marrying those below 18-years old will not harm them and will achieve their best interest, whether they are male or female”.

Al-Samaani’s directives are based on paragraph (16/3) of the executive regulations of the Child Protection Law.