Described as modern day slavery by some, the Kafala system has been a very controversial issue in the Arab world. The Kafala system makes it difficult for migrant workers to change jobs either because it involves an extremely complex legal process or because the previous employer holds the worker’s passport. Any attempt to change their jobs results in migrant workers having their kafala revoked and having to leave the country and start over elsewhere.
The delegation of Bahrain stated, “As a nation that has already abolished the Kafala system, we know it will be hard. However, we hope that the other Arab nations will continue endeavoring to find an alternative to the Kafala system. Despite the Kingdom of Bahrain’s bold move in getting rid of the Kafala system, it seems other Arabic countries are struggling to do the same.
The Delegate of Palestine stated, “We all know that we want to get rid of the system, we just don’t know how.” Though many other delegates agree that the Kafala system takes away the rights of migrant workers, it forces employers to neglect their obligations towards their employees with impunity, none have found a suitable alternative.
Lebanon proposed the creation of international identification cards for migrant workers, which would enable them to travel freely through the Arab world that would identify them as workers with rights that must be protected. The delegate of Saudi Arabia as well as many other delegates pointed out that while these I.D cards would give migrant workers the right to travel freely, it does not ensure that the workers will have access to basic services that the workers need. In addition, Sudan proposed that embassies of the countries from which the migrant workers originate from, aid them in finding jobs in government services and ensure that employers respect their rights and physical safety.
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