Tourist marriage: Families more aware [Archives:2006/915/Reportage]
Hakim Al-Masmari
[email protected]
Last year, more than 300 foreign tourists married young Yemeni girls, only to leave them sexually abused and, in some cases, pregnant shortly after the wedding. Innocent young girls were left behind just weeks after the marriage to face a dark future and the loss of honor. Yemeni families are more aware of the problem now, even though authorities have not taken legal action against perpetrators.
Just months ago, tourist marriage was a widespread issue causing serious worry among people due its destruction to society. Many victims of such marriages told tragic stories, some heartbreaking, of suffering through inhuman procedures from their so-called husbands. Lives were destroyed and futures ruined.
Since then, families understand the gravity of the issue and the destruction it brings. Citizens vowed not to let it happen again. Unfortunately, many people fear that not enough effort has been made to combat such a society-destroying phenomenon, as government is not taking the issue seriously. This raises some questions: Will tourist marriage exist next year? Will citizens be aware enough to avoid such a rapidly spreading problem?
According to the country's political analysts, government fears combating such a sensitive issue. Local sources preferring to remain anonymous, mentioned that Yemen fears fighting tourist marriage as it could harm ties with some Gulf countries. Yemeni citizens understand the greatness of the matter and the problems it causes.
“I don't think this issue will rise again. All families are very aware of the tragic outcomes that occur with tourist marriage,” said local businessman Mohamed Ali Nagi. “Even very poor families will not take such a risk, due to the shame and problems the family might go through after the marriage,” he added.
Many parents now think twice before marrying their daughters to foreigners. They fear a backlash, which in return, could destroy the honor and structure of the family and the country in general.
“People in Yemen are very honest and softhearted, but such marriages have taught them to be more careful when dealing with non-Yemenis,” said local businessman and father of six, Shaddad Abdu. “Our daughters are more important to us than ourselves. This issue will not be repeated,” he added.
Meanwhile, authorities desperately try not to break the already sensitive ties with Gulf countries, especially as they want immediate admission to the Gulf Council.
Ironically, no arrest or sentences have been given to any foreigners practicing such a horrific act on Yemeni soil. Such tourists secretly leave the country after fulfilling their sexual desires. They quietly leave, giving no time for involved families or even authorities to react. In rare situations, the ties between husband and wife are strong for more than a year. Those who married with the knowledge and permission of the Ministry of Justice and received documents approving their marriage had other excuses when wanting to divorce their wives. Normal family problems and not getting along with their new mate due to cultural differences are the most common reasons given.
Additionally, no Gulf tourist can be turned away from the border when trying to enter Yemen, as this could cause problems for the country's tourism sector. In early November, Saudi Arabia refused entrance of all-Yemeni products at its borders, while Saudi products flooded Yemen on an hourly basis. This shows the weakness and limited power of Yemeni authorities. No government help has been offered to the women whose lives were destroyed due to tourist marriages. If help does exist, it is tremendously slow and limited.
Over the past three months, the problem of tourist marriage has been nearly forgotten. As with other phenomena in this country, importance dissolves over time. Yemeni people currently live a life of poverty and frustration, giving them bigger issues about which to worry.
“We hope the government takes appropriate steps to limit such criminals and have them stand trial for the destruction they have caused
