From what I know Bleu this is the case, also helps sometimes as to who he is, and if he has some sort of disabiity etc. Each couple I know had something different. A few of them married military guys without permission which landed the guy up in jail and he got demoted but they got approval in the end. One American lady who married a Qatari had to live in Bahrain for a few years before he could get approval whereas another got approval because his uncle pulled a few strings.

I am not sure if having your family behind you on this would make any difference or not.

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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"