After over 50 years the labor sponsorship program known as the Kafala system is being dismantled by the Saudi Arabian government. Deeply criticized by rights organizations, the Kafala system has become synonymous with labor exploitation and modern slavery conditions. The changes are poised to impact approximately 13 million migrant workers, mostly from South and Southeast Asia.  

Sponsorship system enabled exploitation 

The word Kafala is Arabic for sponsorship. Through this system, migrant workers had to be sponsored by their employer to be allowed to enter the country. Under the system, their legal status in the country was directly tied to their employer. That meant they couldn’t leave an abusive situation or seek legal recourse if they faced exploitation. The only way one could leave is if their employer provided an exit visa. Widely seen as creating a huge power imbalance, the system has enabled decades of exploitation.  

According to the Times of India, the Saudi Press Agency reported: 

“The new system allows migrant workers to change employers without needing their current employer’s approval, leave the country without an exit visa and access vital legal protections that were previously unavailable…” 

The changes are much needed and come as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Indeed, Amnesty International recently published a report detailing the abuse of Kenyan domestic workers in Saudi Arabia. Enduring imprisonment, racism, and sexual violence, workers interviewed for the report spoke of conditions so horrific they add up to “forced labor and human trafficking.” And several other rights organizations emphasize the need for comprehensive implementation and monitoring. Without which, the promised new era will end before it even begins.  

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