Law of Civil Procedure

1.If the defendant is absent from the first hearing without being notified in person or through his agent, consideration of the case shall be postponed to a subsequent hearing of which the defendant shall be notified. If he is absent from said hearing without an excuse acceptable to the court and without being notified in person or through his agent, the court shall rule on the case and its judgment shall be considered in absentiawith respect to the defendant. 2.If the defendant or his agent in the same case is notified of the date of hearing in person, or a memorandum of defense is deposited with the court by the defendant or his agent prior to the scheduled hearing of the case, or if the defendant appears at any of the hearings then fails to appear again, thecourt shall rule on the case and the judgment shall not be deemed in absentiawith respect to the defendant. 3.If the defendant, who has no known or designated place of residence in the Kingdom, fails to appear after being served pursuant to Article 17(i) of this Law, the court shall rule on the case and the judgment shall be deemed in absentia with respect to the defendant. 4.If the defendant is absent in cases relating to marital matters or matters of custody, alimony, visitation or prevention of a woman from marriage by her guardian, the court may order the defendant to be brought by force in accordance with controls stipulated in the regulations of this Law.