Saudi Arabia has abolished its decades-old Kafala system, granting migrant workers the freedom to change jobs, travel without sponsor consent, and access legal protections. The move, part of Vision 2030, aims to improve labour rights and global perception

Hyderabad: In a landmark reform, Saudi Arabia has officially abolished the decades-old Kafala (sponsorship) system, marking a major shift in the treatment and rights of migrant workers in the Kingdom. The move, effective since March 2021 and part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative, is expected to benefit ‘around 13 million migrant workers,’ making it one of the most significant labour reforms in the Gulf region.

What is the Kafala system?

The Kafala system—Arabic for “sponsorship”—is a legal framework that bi

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