The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, is delighted to confirm that Saudi Arabia has approved amendments to its labour and civil laws which grant women in the Kingdom the right to travel abroad and to apply for passports independently.

This is the latest announcement in a wide range of sweeping reforms that place women on an equal footing with men and demonstrate a very strong message: Life for women in Saudi Arabia is being transformed.

The Royal Decree also grants women the right to register child birth, marriage or divorce, and to be issued official family documents and be eligible as a guardian to children who are minors.

The empowerment of women and greater equality are critical components of the Vision 2030 plan for the future of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia’s successful economic diversification and the country’s transformation will depend on the full engagement and participation of women.

Marking the occasion, Prince Khalid said, “This may seem like a small step but it is, nonetheless, transformative for Saudi women. Saudi women have always played a vital role in our society and this decree cements the progress we have made and intend to make in the future.”