What is the Kafala system in middle eastern countries and why is it so controversial?
In: 5
The Kafala system is a labor sponsorship system used in many Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. Under this system, foreign workers are sponsored by a local employer, who is known as a “kafeel”. The kafeel is responsible for sponsoring the worker’s visa and work permit, and for providing the worker with accommodation and other necessities.
The Kafala system has been criticized for its lack of protections for foreign workers. In many cases, workers are unable to leave their jobs or change employers without the permission of their kafeel, which can lead to exploitation and abuse. In addition, many workers are not provided with adequate housing or wages, and may not have access to legal remedies if they are mistreated by their kafeel.
As a result, the Kafala system has been criticized for fostering a system of modern slavery, in which foreign workers are forced to work under exploitative conditions with little recourse. In recent years, some Middle Eastern countries have made reforms to the Kafala system in an effort to improve conditions for foreign workers, but there is still much progress to be made.
Latest Answers