Maldivian couples will have to take a prenuptial awareness course before getting married under new government regulations aimed at cutting the divorce rate.
The new programmes begin on Saturday. Minister of Justice, Mohamed Jameel, introduced the course at a ceremony on Wednesday held at Male' Youth Centre.
From August 1, all couples planning to get married will have to complete the course before they can tie the knot.
Maldives has the highest divorce rate in the world by far. In 2006, it was 10.97 per 1000 people. The next highest country was Belarus, with a rate of 4.65.
The programme, which will be run by religious and legal experts, doctors and counsellors, includes information on the importance of marriage, bringing up children, the rights of husband and wife according to Islam and social and psychological factors involved in marriage.
"This programme does not have an attendance record or tests or examinations. This is just an information meeting" said Mr Jameel.
Apart from cutting the divorce rate, the government is hoping the courses will help reduce the amount of domestic violence in the Maldives. The scheme will be organised with the Family Court and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
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