Jeddah - The new rule is also likely to help decrease the instances of divorces
Published: Fri 16 Dec 2016, 3:38 PM
Updated: Fri 16 Dec 2016, 5:57 PM
Foreign nationals who wish to marry Saudi women will now have to undergo drug testing before marriage, according to a new law.
The step is being taken to discourage marriages with foreign nationals. This also ensures that couples do not face social issues because of drug addiction.
According to Arab News, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has instructed all hospitals and clinics around the Kingdom about this new rule.
"A drug test has been added to the compulsory marital medical test for foreigners seeking marriage with Saudi women," Mishaal Al-Rabian, head of communications and PR at the MoH was quoted by Arab News.
"The drug test is only for foreigners and, the test has been applied since the issuance of the circular a few months back."
The new rule is also likely to help decrease the instances of divorces and other martial disputes.
According to a report published in the Al Madinah Arabic daily, the drug test is mandatory for both foreign brides and grooms
Statistics revealed by the Ministry of Justice this year stated that the number of marriage contracts between Saudi men and non-Saudi women reached 3,596, while female Saudi marriage contracts with non-Saudi males totaled 3,352.
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