Daijiworld Media Network - Riyadh

Riyadh, Oct 22: In a landmark shift set to impact millions of migrant workers, Saudi Arabia has officially abolished the five-decade-old Kafala sponsorship system, a move hailed as a major step towards labour reform and human rights progress in the Gulf region.

The Kafala system, introduced in the 1950s, had long given employers near-total control over foreign workers' lives — including the power to confiscate passports, block job changes, and prevent workers from leaving the country. The controversial system was widely criticised by human rights groups for enabling labour exploitation and abuse, particularly among unskilled workers in sectors like construction and manufacturing.

The abolition of Kafala is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's amb

See Full Page