Philippine church group welcomes abolition of Saudi Arabia’s kafala system

A church group in Manila welcomed the abolition of the so-called kafala system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, describing the move as a “positive step for the protection of Filipino migrant workers.”

The kafala system requires migrant workers to have a sponsor in the host country before a visa and worker’s permit can be issued.

Human rights groups said the system generally binds a worker to one employer, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation.

“We hope that this will set precedent to other countries in the Gulf region that implemented the same,” said Reverend Marie Sol Villalon of the Churches Witnessing With Migrants.

English | May 5, 2021

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