In 2009, Bahrain became the first GCC country to abolish the kafala system, followed by Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
“Millions of Filipinos work abroad under the most difficult and inhumane circumstances. We call for the abolition of all structures that allow the exploitation and oppression of migrant workers,” Duterte said.
“The kafala system is one such behemoth that chains the weak, the desperate, and the voiceless to an existence of unimaginable suffering. While reforms have been made, the kafala system must be dismantled sooner rather than later in the name of justice and basic decency,” he added.