“Kafala System” in Middle Eastern countries

Question

What is the Kafala system in middle eastern countries and why is it so controversial?

In: 5

Answer 1

The Kafala system is a way that some countries in the Middle East take care of people who come from other places to work there. Under the Kafala system, a worker from another country is “sponsored” by a local person or business, who is responsible for the worker’s visa and other paperwork. This means that the worker has to stay with the sponsor and do what the sponsor says. Some people say that this system is not fair because the workers don’t have many rights and can be treated badly.