… Govt approved 159 marriage applications
… Marriage clearance opens doors to international unions
… 17 cross-border marriages authorised inside eswatini
… Home Affairs expands efficient civil registration services
BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
LOBAMBA– Love is crossing borders in growing numbers after Government approved applications from 159 emaSwati to marry foreign partners outside the Kingdom during the first quarter of the 2026/2027 financial year.
The milestone, revealed in the Ministry of Home Affairs’ First Quarter Performance Report, highlights the increasing number of emaSwati building families beyond the country’s borders while reflecting government’s commitment to delivering efficient and accessible civil registration services.
According to the report, the Ministry received 159 applications for Marriage Status Clearance Letters from citizens intending to marry foreign nationals in their respective countries. Every application met the legal requirements and was successfully approved.
The Marriage Status Clearance Letter is an essential document required by many foreign governments as proof that an applicant is legally free to marry. By issuing the certificates, the Ministry enables emaSwati to complete marriage registration processes abroad without unnecessary delays.
The report demonstrates the department’s efficiency, with all qualifying applicants receiving official confirmation of their marital status to proceed with their weddings overseas.
The Ministry also facilitated marriages within Eswatini involving foreign nationals. During the same reporting period, 17 applications for authority to solemnise marriages in the Kingdom between emaSwati and foreign citizens were approved after satisfying all statutory requirements.
Beyond marriage services, the department continued providing other important civil registration services. A total of 29 applications for change of surname were approved and subsequently published in the Government Gazette in accordance with the Change of Surname Act No. 67 of 1962.
The Ministry explained that its responsibilities extend beyond processing marriage applications. It also oversees the appointment and gazetting of marriage officers, verifies marriage certificates and related documents, authorises marriages involving foreign nationals both inside and outside Eswatini, and administers surname change applications.
These services form part of government’s broader efforts to maintain an accurate national civil registration system while ensuring that citizens receive essential legal documentation efficiently.
The performance report indicates that the department continues to strengthen service delivery by processing applications promptly and ensuring compliance with the country’s legal framework.
For emaSwati planning to marry abroad, the approval of Marriage Status Clearance Letters represents an important administrative step that opens the door to legally recognised marriages in foreign countries.
The Ministry said its continued commitment to efficient, transparent and lawful service delivery ensures that citizens and foreign nationals alike receive timely assistance with marriage-related documentation and other essential public services, reinforcing confidence in the country’s civil registration system.
(Courtesy Pic)
