Top 10 Countries With Laws Against Unmarried Couples:  Several countries have strict laws against unmarried couples, such as live-in together or pre-marital relationships. This is particularly enforced in areas with strong religious or cultural beliefs. Such countries include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia, Malaysia and more. These countries enforce Sharia laws prohibiting premarital relationships and punishing such with fines imprisonment, or even deportation from the country in the case of foreigners.

Recently, OYO, the Indian hospitality chain, announced a new check-in policy that will not permit unmarried couples to stay. This policy started in Meerut City and is expected to apply in many other areas where cultural and societal beliefs are strong.

Here is the list of 10 such countries that are not friendly towards unmarried couples with laws that prohibit pre-marital sex, live-in relationships and even public affection.

1. Saudi Arabia

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    Countries with laws against Unmarried Couples (Image: Canva)

There are strict Sharia laws in Saudi Arabia that make it illegal for unmarried couples to live together or to fall in love with each other. Violations of these can result in fines or imprisonment, and foreigners are subject to deportation. Public displays of affection are strictly forbidden in Saudi Arabia. However, as of recent changes, unmarried couples, and tourists can stay together in hotels in Saudi Arabia.

2. Qatar

Pre-marital relationships are illegal under the strict law in Qatar. Cohabiting or engaging in sexual intercourse without being married can lead to imprisonment, fine or deportation from the country. Sharing a hotel room can also be quite troublesome without proof of marriage. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar banned unmarried couples sharing hotels that made headlines.

3. Indonesia

Indonesia recently passed a law that prohibits premarital sex and cohabitation. If unmarried couples are found guilty they can face up to one year in prison. However, the governor of Bali said that visitors don't need to worry and they won't ask for their marriage certificate.

4. Malaysia

In Malaysia, Islamic law forbids unmarried couples living together. Homosexuality is also prohibited. The law punishes those who violate it with fines and imprisonment, and in most cases, couples are forced to undergo counseling. Though the law is mostly enforced on Muslim citizens, it can spill over to include non-Muslims.

5. Pakistan

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    Countries with laws against Unmarried Couples (Image: Canva)

The laws of Pakistan do not allow extramarital affairs or live-in relationships in their Sharia law. Unmarried couples, if found guilty, are subject to severe punishment ranging from imprisonment, public humiliation, and at times corporal punishment, among others.

6. Afghanistan

Under Taliban rule, Afghanistan has imposed severe penalties on unmarried couples ranging from imprisonment to public floggings, or even worse. Those penalties have to be observed under the mandatory strict Islamic law.

7. Egypt

In 2017, an Egyptian TV host was sentenced to three years in jail for discussing on pre-marital sex in a TV show. Unmarried couples cohabit are subject to fines and even imprisonment in Egypt. These relationships are frowned upon by the public, although not severe compared to some other countries.

8. Morocco

In 2019, a journalist was sentenced to one year in jail for having sex before marriage and for illegal abortion. Sexual intercourse outside marriage is considered a crime in Morocco. Any unmarried couple caught together could result in prosecution, fines, and even jail sentences. The application of these laws is more enforced in conservative areas.

9. Iran

Sharia law in Iran forbids any kind of relationship between unmarried couples. If found guilty or caught, severe punishment awaits which includes imprisonment, fines, and lashes can apply to violators. The law also prohibits acts of affection in public.

10. Kuwait

top 10 countries with law against unmarried couples

    Countries with laws against Unmarried Couples (Image: Canva)

Under Islamic law, it is illegal to cohabit or have premarital relationships. Such unmarried couples would be subjected to a fine, imprisonment, or deportation if they lived together or indulged in other intimate situations.

ALSO READ: List Of Top 20+ Visa-Free Countries For Indians To Visit In 2025: Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand And More

 


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