The End of Kafala—Saudi Arabia Abolishes Controversial Labor Sponsorship System
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[Jeddah, KSA] In a monumental step toward labor reform, Saudi Arabia has officially dismantled its decades-old Kafala (sponsorship) system, ushering in a new era for millions of migrant workers. The move, effective since its announcement in June 2025, replaces the restrictive framework with a modern, contract-based employment model , dramatically reshaping the Kingdom's labor landscape. For nearly 70 years, the Kafala system, which translates to "sponsorship," legally tied a foreign worker's visa and employment status to a single, local employer, known as the Kafeel . This structure was widely criticized by human rights organizations as a facilitator of exploitation, often likened to "modern-day slavery," as it gave employers near-total control over workers' lives. The abolition affects an estimated 13 million foreign workers —roughly 42% of Saudi Arabia's population—who form the backbone of sectors like construction, domestic work, and services....