The Family Court has raised concerns in Parliament over cases where individuals marry multiple partners abroad to circumvent Maldivian marriage laws, highlighting a case where a woman was found to have three husbands.

The issue was discussed during a Parliament Gavaaidhu Committee meeting in response to a complaint regarding family regulations. Representatives from the Ministry of Social and Family Development, the Department of Judicial Administration, the Family Court, and the Family Legal Clinic attended the session.

Legal Officer Ahmed Mausoom of the Family Court official cited the case of the woman with three husbands as an example illustrating the complexities these unregistered marriages create. Ahmed Mausoom also noted that similar cases have emerged, with at least one currently under review by the High Court.

One of the main challenges identified was the failure to register initial marriages in the Maldives. In many cases, individuals marry abroad without officially recognising their previous unions. When one of these later marriages is eventually brought for registration, earlier unregistered marriages come to light, leading to legal complications.

The Legal Officer warned that this trend could have significant consequences for Maldivian society, causing confusion and instability within families. While marrying abroad is not prohibited, individuals must follow the legal procedures set by the Family Court. This includes obtaining prior approval to ensure compliance with the Family Act and other relevant regulations.

He clarified that foreign marriages are permitted only when all legal conditions are met. The concern is not with overseas marriages themselves but with individuals circumventing regulations, leading to legal uncertainties and social challenges