Critics have equated the Kafala system to modern-day slavery. (Photo: Reuters)

In a welcome relief for millions of migrant workers, Saudi Arabia has officially ended the Kafala System, giving them more rights and freedom to work in the kingdom. The Kafala System (sponsor system) had been in place in Saudi Arabia and much of the Middle East for decades.

What is Kafala System?

The Kafala System refers to a binding contract between migrant workers and their local sponsor, under which they can only work for the specific employer throughout the period of their residence in the country.

Under the Kafala System, the employer, who is also the sponsor of the migrant workers, had an undue legal advantage over them as they were not allowed to switch jobs without the Kafala’s consent.

Kafala Syst

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