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08 September 2023 / John Mayberry
Issue: 8039 / Categories: Features , Criminal , Family
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Dual nationality & early marriage

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The law governing the age of marriage has recently changed: John Mayberry stresses the importance of raising awareness within communities with strong traditions of marrying early
  • Many communities are unaware of the changes in age of marriage in England and Wales.
  • Some families may organise marriages with girls aged 16–18 in Pakistan, unaware that they are committing a criminal offence in the UK.
  • The policing of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 will be difficult at best.

In February 2023, the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 (MCP(MA)A 2022) became law. It had received little publicity in those communities where early marriage had been encouraged for many centuries. Although early marriage is seen across all major religions, in the UK it has particular relevance for Roma and Pakistani Muslims. Although there are no readily available figures, it is likely that 200,000 or more British Pakistanis hold dual nationality. This means that they can move freely between the UK and Pakistan without visas. However, when

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