Saudi women to be told of divorce by text message under new law

The new law, that came into effect on Sunday, was seen as a way to end secret divorces.

Women in Saudi Arabia will be notified by text message if they are divorced under a new law designed to protect them from having their marriage ended without their knowledge, the government said on Sunday.
The new law, that came into effect on Sunday, was seen as a way to end secret divorces and ensure women are fully aware of their marital status so they can protect rights such as alimony.
The move comes as 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.
"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.
It said women could check their marital status on the ministry's website or visit the relevant court to get a copy of divorce papers.
"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 step in the right direction," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone.
But Abu-Dayyeh said knowing about a divorce does not mean a woman will get alimony or the custody of her children.
In recent years women in Saudi Arabia have been allowed to enter sports stadiums for the first time, vote in local elections, and take a greater role in the workforce as Saudi Arabia tries to diversify its economy.

• Saudi Arabia