This is challenging to identify. To overcome this problem, an official document is issued that is called a bachelorhood certificate. It states the true marital status of an individual as unmarried or single.
Are you wondering why you need it?
Well, multiple legal purposes are associated with it, particularly when you are likely to solemnise marriage abroad or emigrate for employment. Here, we’re going to reveal the overall requirements for this certificate when you need it for Gulf countries. This certificate addresses the concern of legal and cultural differences for marriage, residence, and employment.
Importance of the Bachelorhood Certificate in Gulf Countries
Gulf nations compile Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. These countries follow some strict laws related to marriage and visas. In both cases, the non-resident must have to present a bachelorhood certificate if he or she is unmarried, divorced, or widowed and wants to solemnise marriage, seek a job, or attain residency in that country.
Key Reasons for Requiring a Bachelorhood Certificate in Gulf Countries:
- Preventing Polygamy: The very first reason is to mitigate the risk of polygamy, or multiple marriages. However, Islamic law allows it under certain strict conditions. And those who are NRIs or non-residents have to abide by the legal systems of their home countries. A single status or bachelorhood affidavit sets an individual free to marry under the law.
- Marriage Registration: In some Gulf countries, non-muslims are asked to present their single status proof before they solemnise marriage legally. Presenting it proves that the applicant is not yet or currently married. Hence, the marriage registration process becomes smooth and easy.
- Employment and Residency: Like other countries, Gulf countries follow strict regulations for sanctioning visas, especially for spouses and dependents of applicants. Sometimes, employment can be the reason to apply for the bachelorhood affidavit. Overall, employers, immigration authorities, or embassies ask to reveal marital status when applying for family visas.
General Requirements for Obtaining a Bachelorhood Certificate
Whether you live in your native country or the Gulf nations, the embassy of the residential country always seeks your single status certificate if you’re single. So, you have to apply for it while meeting specific requirements, which may slightly vary from country to country. In general, these papers can simplify the process of this certificate procurement.
- Personal Identification Documents: The national identity card, ID number, or passport can prove the personal identity of the applicant.
- Proof of Nationality: A photocopy of the birth certificate or passport can reveal or confirm his/her nationality.
- Sworn Affidavit: A sworn document (or affidavit), mentioning that the applicant is single and hence eligible to solemnise marriage, can be required in countries where the certificate is not issued.
- Certification by Local Authorities: In some cases, the affidavit must be certified by local authorities, such as a notary public, and then authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Embassy or Consular Attestation: At the end, the most demanded document is the certificate of attestation from the embassy or consulate in the Gulf country.
Bachelorhood Certificate Requirements by Country
Now that you know general documents required, let’s focus on country-wise requirements.
1. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
UAE is a Muslim nation, where expatriates or non-Muslims who want to marry there have to present a bachelorhood certificate. It is issued in their home country or the place where they come from legally. This free-to-marry certificate helps its authority discover the marital status of applicants.
Required Documents:
- Passport copy
- Proof of residency (if applicable)
- Notarised bachelorhood affidavit by notary public in the home country
- Embassy or consular attestation
- Legal translation of the affidavit if it is not in Arabic
The document legalisation process in the UAE is extremely stringent. The document must be attested or apostilled by the foreign ministry of the applicant’s native country. And then it is attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2. Saudi Arabia
The legal system of Saudi Arabia is run according to Islamic law (Sharia), and marriage is regulated under this very regulation. The non-residents or emigrants who are likely to marry in this country have to enclose a bachelorhood certificate, stating that there is no legal impediment to the marriage.
Required Documents:
- Valid passport photocopy
- Residency permit (Iqama)
- Bachelorhood affidavit attested by the Embassy
- Transcription of documents in Arabic (if applicable)
3. Qatar
The Qatar government also asks for a bachelorhood certificate to typically prove that the expatriate is willing to tie the knot or apply for residency for his or her spouse. It again helps in proving the legal status of an individual for marriage.
Required Documents:
- Copy of passport
- Notarised bachelorhood affidavit legalised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the native country of the applicant
- Embassy or consulate attestation/apostille
- Transcription of vital documents in Arabic (if required)
4. Kuwait
Kuwait requires emigrants to enclose a bachelorhood certificate to prepare for the marriage registration. In this country also, this document must be attested by the signing authority of the individual’s native country.
Required Documents:
- Passport copy
- Residency permit
- Sworn affidavit of bachelorhood
- Attestation by the applicant’s embassy
- Certified translation (if applicable) of the document
5. Oman
Oman, again, follows Islamic law and emigrants who are willing to solemnise marriage in the country. Such individuals must present a bachelorhood certificate. It ensures that the person is legally eligible for marriage and prevents challenges in the legal recognition of the marriage.
Required Documents
- Passport copy
- Residency permit
- Bachelorhood affidavit notarised in the home country
- Embassy or consular attestation
- Arabic translation (if required)
6. Bahrain
Like the aforementioned countries, the case of Bahrain is no different. The expats must enclose their celibacy certificate before registering their marriage in this country. Bahraini authorities attest to it, which shows its acceptance to get married in its country.
Required Documents:
- Passport copy
- Residency permit (if applicable)
- Sworn affidavit of bachelorhood certificate
- Attestation by the embassy or consulate
- Arabic transcription of necessary documents
Common Challenges in Obtaining a Bachelorhood Certificate
- Document Authentication: The foremost challenge that non-residents face is the length of the attestation process. The document must be verified by the native country’s foreign ministry and them, the embassy of the Gulf country.
- Legal Translation: The translation of vital documents must be in Arabic, especially in the case of most Gulf countries. Applicants have to provide a certified translation of all documents, which is an added challenge.
- Varying Requirements: It is necessary to consider specific requirements for attestation or legalization. This knowledge helps in understanding the legal framework of the country, which takes time.
Conclusion
Applying for a single status certificate or affidavit is legally required for immigration, marriage in the foreign country, and employment. Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, have their own unique documentation requirements. The applicant must understand them before applying for marriage in these countries. They must have their identity proofs, birth proof, passport, translated documents, affidavit, address proof, etc. to get rid of legal obligations, and they must be attested by the requisite authorities in their native country.
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