Saudi Arabia officially ends Kafala system after 50 years, marking a major reform in the kingdomβs labor laws. The Kafala system, which linked foreign workersβ legal status to their employers, had long been criticized by international rights groups for enabling exploitation and limiting worker freedom.
According to Saudi authorities, the new system aims to create a fair and transparent labor environment that aligns with Vision 2030 β the kingdomβs plan for economic diversification and social reform. As Saudi Arabia officially ends Kafala system after 50 years, over 10 million migrant workers are expected to benefit from the new regulations, which provide greater job mobility and legal protection.
Under the reformed policy, foreign employees can now change jobs without needing their employerβs permission, provided they meet certain contractual requirements. They will also be allowed to travel abroad freely and renew their residency permits independently. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development confirmed that these reforms apply to all private sector workers.
As Saudi Arabia officially ends Kafala system after 50 years, international observers have welcomed the step as a milestone for workersβ rights in the Gulf region. Organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) have praised the move, noting that it reflects Saudi Arabiaβs growing commitment to international labor standards.
However, human rights advocates have urged the kingdom to ensure that the reforms are fully implemented at all levels and that migrant workers have access to legal recourse in case of abuse.
The abolition of the Kafala system represents a new chapter in Saudi Arabiaβs labor market transformation. By empowering workers and promoting equality, the government hopes to attract more skilled labor and enhance its global reputation.
With Saudi Arabia officially ending Kafala system after 50 years, the change symbolizes not only the end of an outdated sponsorship model but also a broader push toward modernization, transparency, and economic progress in the kingdom.
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