I am a Canadian citizen living in Saudi Arabia, and got married to a Syrian man in Saudi Arabia (under the Sharia law because he is Muslim) and have a 3 year old son (who holds dual citizenship, Canadian & Syrian). My marriage was registered in the Canadian embassy in Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Arabian courts. My son and I are under the sponsorship of my husband therefore he has full control of our travel. I recently discovered that my husband is committing adultery and is a drug addict. He is emotionally abusing me and is endangering our son with his reckless drug abuse at home. I fled my house with my son and I'm staying at my sister's house in Saudi Arabia but cannot leave the country since I am under his sponsorship. I want to file for divorce and have full custody of my 3 year old son. I was advised that the divorce needed to happen in the Saudi courts. My husband has tried several times to kidnap my son away from me and I am in constant fear. I have gone to the police but they said according to their laws he has the right to take his son anytime. I was also told that the divorce in the Saudi courts might not go through because I do not have substantial evidence to support my claims against him. I need assistance to direct me to what I should do. I want to leave the country and come back to Canada with my son but he is refusing to grant us exit permission. Can the embassy interfere and help us leave the country?
Canadian citizen divorces non Canadian abroad (in Saudi Arabia)
- Thread starter rehamaumary
- Start date
This is a complex matter. I would definitely recommend you contact the Canadian embassy for assistance as a next step. They should be able to direct you and tell you what your options are.
https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/saudi_arabia-arabie_saoudite/index.aspx?lang=eng
Thanks Scylla, I have been in contact with a local lawyer and a Canadian lawyer and they both recommended I contact the embassy because my situation is very complicated. I hope they can provide assistance.
