RIYADH: Saudi men have been banned from marrying women from three Asian and one African country as the Gulf state toughens the rules restricting marriage with foreigners, a local daily said.
Marrying women from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar and Chad is no longer permissible, Makkah newspaper reported.
It said the total population of these communities in Saudi Arabia has exceeded 500,000, citing unofficial statistics, implying that this might be the reason.
The paper said the new restrictions are now stipulated in the application forms that any Saudi wishing to marry a foreign woman should present to authorities.
It also cited the Makkah police chief, General Assaf Al Qurashi, confirming that the four countries have been excluded.
Moreover, the formalities for marrying a foreigner have been toughened, according to Makkah.
AFP
