Foreign Labor in the Gulf Countries: Examining the Kafala System

This article examines the kafala system, which governs labor relations between employers and migrant workers in the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf. It provides an in-depth analysis of migrant working conditions, the rights of foreign laborers, employer attitudes towards ‘guest workers,' and the various national reforms aimed at modifying the system. Additionally, the article offers a historical overview of the sponsorship system and its evolution over time. Further, it presents expert perspectives on the future trajectory of the kafala system, alongside the official positions of key international institutions, including the International Labor Organization (ILO), the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and prominent human rights organizations. The study concludes with a comparative analysis of the kafala system in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the patent system in Russia. Despite sustained advocacy from international organizations for the abolition of the kafala system, significant obstacles persist. Existing reforms remain insufficient, as migrant workers - particularly domestic laborers - continue to face harsh working conditions and widespread abuse. The article ultimately argues that further structural reforms are imperative, alongside the establishment of a robust oversight mechanism to ensure compliance with new labor laws protecting foreign workers. Moreover, it underscores the necessity of enhanced institutional support for migrants, including greater assistance from embassies and employment agencies.

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