The “Kafala” System and Human Rights: Time for a Decision

During the last few decades, the Gulf Cooperation Council ( gcc ) States have shown exceptional developments in various fields. These accomplishments have been dependent on gcc citizens and residents, some of whom are facing unfair treatment from their sponsors based on accusations by the international community. This article will provide an overview of such accusations by the international community against the Kafala or sponsorship system, the sponsors’ defences, and new trends in the gcc States toward eliminating this system. It will also propose some legal initiatives and appropriate policies to be implemented for the benefit of the sponsored persons and the gcc States’ international reputation.