Saudi Arabia Ends Kafala System, Empowering Millions of Migrant Workers | AI News Digest
After weeks of anticipation, Saudi Arabia has formally dismantled the Kafala system, a labor structure that has regulated the employment of migrant workers for the last half-century. This landmark reform is set to impact around 13.4 million migrant workers, who constitute roughly 42% of the country's population, by providing them with enhanced rights and greater independence. The Kafala system, criticized for its restrictive practices, particularly affected workers hailing from nations such as Bangladesh and India, who often endured tough circumstances across various industries. Following this change, experts predict a favorable evolution in labor relations and an enhancement in living standards for these workers. This development represents a crucial turning point in Saudi Arabia's labor policies, signaling a broader move towards modernization and reform across the region.
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