Kuwait implemented the Kafala (sponsorship) system around the 1950s, initially implemented to control migration into Arab countries. Under the system, states are usually supposed to provide employers with enough funding, visas, and residency to allow the workers to be employed. Although Kuwait has made promises to reform its labor system, the Kafala framework still places[…]
24
Jun
Jun
On June 23, 2025, Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) and partner organizations delivered an intervention during the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. During their intervention under Item 3, in the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, ADHRB called for[…]
11
Jun
Jun
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[…]
28
May
May
This year, authorities in Kuwait have launched a massive campaign to crackdown on foreign nationals who have violated the new residency law, Amiri Decree No. 114. As of now, 440 foreign nationals have been arrested for violating the law. The new law replaces the previous Law No. 17 which was the standard for over 60[…]
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[…]
