This briefing paper examines the widespread and institutionalized exploitation of women migrant domestic workers across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. Despite public commitments to reform, the kafala (sponsorship) system remains the primary mechanism governing migrant labor. Under this system, a worker’s immigration status is[…]
14
Feb
Feb
Saudi Arabia, home to millions of migrant workers, heavily relies on foreign labor for domestic work, primarily women working as housemaids, nannies, and caregivers, which are a significant part of the country’s labor force. However, despite their essential role in the country’s households, migrant domestic workers, primarily from Southeast Asia and Africa, face widespread discrimination,[…]
02
Jan
Jan
Context of migration in Saudi Arabia The context of migration in Saudi Arabia is shaped by a complex mix of economic needs, labor dynamics, social policies, and geopolitical factors. Saudi Arabia is one of the largest destinations for migrant workers in the Middle East, with 39 percent of international migrants comprising the total population. Its[…]
30
Dec
Dec
All GCC states implement the kafala system, a visa sponsorship program that gives extensive powers to employers and leaves workers vulnerable to abuse. Domestic workers, primarily women from South and Southeast Asia, are especially vulnerable to exploitation due to their isolation and reliance on their employers. They face a higher risk of physical, sexual, and[…]
24
Jul
Jul
The Kuwaiti government ran an amnesty scheme for “illegal immigrants” from 17 March 2024 to 30 June 2024, which was extended from the initial deadline of 17 June. This grace period was intended to give those illegally in the country the time to either pay the penalties and regularize their status or leave the country[…]
