Bahrain: Information on the status in Bahrain of a non-Bahraini, and non-Muslim woman who is divorced from a Muslim, Bahraini husband, and who would retain custody of their three year old male child
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 January 1994 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | BHR16290.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Bahrain: Information on the status in Bahrain of a non-Bahraini, and non-Muslim woman who is divorced from a Muslim, Bahraini husband, and who would retain custody of their three year old male child, 1 January 1994, BHR16290.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6acc610.html [accessed 27 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to the US Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1992, in the event of divorce, Bahraini courts routinely grant Sunni women custody of their daughters until marriage and custody of their sons until puberty (Country Reports 1992 1993, 988). The report states that Shi`a women are allowed custody of daughters until the age of nine, and sons until the age of seven (ibid.). The report also states that non-Bahraini women automatically lose custody of their children if they divorce Bahraini husbands (ibid.).
For additional information on custody issues in Bahrain, please refer to the attached documents.
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
Reference
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1992. 1993. United States Department of State. Washington, DC: United States Government Printing Office.
Attachments
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1992. 1993. United States Department of State. Washington, DC: United States Government Printing Office, p. 988.
Esposito, John L. 1982. Women in Muslim Family Law. Syracuse, New York: Syracuse University Press, pp. 37-48.
Gulf Daily News. 9 July 1993. "Divorce Rate Rises in Bahrain." (NEXIS)
Nasir, Jamal J. 1990. The Status of Women under Islamic Law and under Modern Islamic Legislation. London: Graham & Trotman, pp. 119-36.
USA Today [Washington, DC]. 30 August 1993. "Foreign Abductions get Congress' Attention." (NEXIS)
