What is the ruling on a woman marrying a man through a fake contract to obtain citizenship, then another suitable man proposes to her, but the first husband has neither divorced her nor communicated with her since the signing of the contract? Is it permissible for her to marry the suitor?

This marriage, termed "marriage on paper," is either a real marriage with all its conditions fulfilled, in which case it is impermissible for you to marry another man as long as you are still married to this man, except after a divorce or annulment, as a married woman is among the impediments to marriage. If the validity of the marriage is disputed, for instance, if it was without a guardian (wali), then it must be annulled or dissolved through divorce. If you are harmed by his absence, refer your case to whoever acts as a Sharia judge. However, if it was a nominal marriage without offer, acceptance, a guardian, and witnesses, then it is not a marriage at all. In this case, there is no sin upon you in marrying another man, while being mindful of potential legal accountability. We highlight that seeking the citizenship of a disbelieving country is not permissible except out of necessity or a need deemed valid by Sharia.