A significant shift in migrant labor policy has occurred in Saudi Arabia with the formal abolition of the kafala sponsorship system. This landmark decision frees approximately 13 million foreign nationals residing and working in the Kingdom, with Indian workers representing a substantial segment of 2.5 million. For decades, the kafala framework has bound workers to their employers, severely limiting their autonomy and creating a breeding ground for exploitation. Stories of workers enduring wage theft, passport confiscation, and forced labor have been rampant, painting a grim picture of life under this system. The move by Saudi Arabia, a key component of its Vision 2030 reform initiative, introduces unprecedented freedoms, allowing migrant employees to seek new employment and travel internationally without prior employer consent. While this represents a major advancement for human rights in Saudi Arabia, the broader region continues to grapple with the kafala system’s pervasive influence. Continued efforts and strict adherence to new labor laws are essential to ensure lasting protection for vulnerable migrant populations across the Gulf.
