Women may be able to apply for passport without husband's consent

Bahraini married women may soon be able to apply for a passport without needing to have the traditional consent of the husband, according to a bill proposed by the kingdom's Shura council.

The bill was approved by the council's foreign affairs, defence and national security committee during a recent meeting, said a statement issued by the council yesterday.

The committee recommended an amendment to article 11 of the Passport Law number 11 which requires the wife to get the husband's consent before applying for "an independent" passport.

"The article is unconstitutional," said the committee, pointing out the constitution stipulates that men and women are equal citizens. "Also, the article doesn't reflect the reality of the Bahraini woman who has already gotten all her political and social rights," the statement added.

The proposed bill is expected to be debated when the Shura Council, the appointed upper chamber of the National Assembly, reconvenes in early March.