50—V anguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012 50—Vanguard,
Tur key marriage regulations urk BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU
T
HE high rate of di vorce cases involving Nigerian nationals in different countries abroad, with culture shock as a major contributing factor, is an eloquent indication of the fact that many who are victims of failed marriages are oblivious of the rules and regulations guiding marriage contractual in foreign countries. Turkey, the country in focus is one of the countries in the world which is strict about its Legislations and regulations on marriage. It is advisable that all intending couples in Turkey, avail themselves of vital information about the rules and regulation guiding the subject matter, prior to contracting a marriage outside Nigeria, be it with a Nigeria national or with a foreigner in his/ her home Country. Turkish marriage
regulations: It is allowed under the rules guiding marriage in Turkey, and only before a competent Turkish authority, that a Turkish national and a foreigner, or two foreigners with different nationalities can get married. There is no law debarring two foreigners from the same nationality to be married, either in the offices of their own Country’s embassy or consulate, or before the Turkish authorities, the only standing law is that all marriages conducted by the Turkish authorities must be regulated. In other words, Turkish relevant authorities shall not conduct marriages, (whether for Turkish or foreigner), unless the petitioners provide marriage licenses as issued to them by the proper Civil State Registry of their home Country, and as an indication that they hold the nationality of their respec-
tive Countries. In the light of the above information, the couple should understand that they can never again be married in Turkey under the Turkish law, and because monogamy is one of the essential principles of their marriage law, a second marriage cannot be entered, unless otherwise, the first is terminated. In addition, religiously celebrated marriages cannot be accepted as legal. Eligibility Only those who have attained the minimum age of 18 are allowed to enter into marriages, with clear indication that they have sufficient mental capacity to make fair judgment as to their choices. In addition, those with mental illness and certain illness, such as epilepsy, hysteria and so on, would not be allowed to marry as such illnesses constitute hindrance to contracting marriage. In other words,
it is of priority importance that such individuals must first seek medical advice on the person they intend to get married to. This will in no small way help to reduce the level of divorce and perhaps death which may occur as a result of involvement with a part-
ner who has a seasonal mental illness. It is also mandatory that all involved must get a medical examination certificate from a designated medical center, stating clearly, the certified by the Turkish Bureau of marriages. Getting a Divorce The law does not accept a divorce decree that is obtained from any local court, as it is not capable of annulling a registered
marriage in Turkey and for this to be done, the petitioner must hire the services of an attorney and is required to provide a form of identification, eg; Identity card, drivers license, two passport sized photographs, detailed information of the attorney as well as fee in cash or money order, as stipulated by their marriage law.
UK effects changes on family migration rules By PRISCA SAM-DURU
T
HE United Kingdom has announced a number of changes to the Immigration Rules. The changes which took effect from 9 July 2012 affect non-European Economic Area (non-EEA) nationals applying to enter or remain in the UK under the family migration route. According to Agency report, the changes which are being introduced following wide consultation and expert
advice from the Migration Advisory Committee are expected to define the basis on which a person can be allowed into or remain in the UK on the basis of their family or private life. Among areas affected by the Change is on the issue of allowing adult and elderly dependants to settle in the UK. This is possible only where they can demonstrate that, as a result of age, illness or disability, they require a level of long-
term personal care that can only be provided by a relative in the UK, which requires them to apply from overseas rather than switch in the UK from another category of migrants, for instance, as a visitor. The changes to the Immigration Rules which were announced by the Government on 11 June 2012, form part of the Government's programme of reform of the immigration routes.
E-mail: consularadvisory@vanguardngr.com