The Reform of the Kafala System.

A perspective of Romanian migrants in GCC countries

Abstract

The sponsorship system (kafala) is characteristic of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and of a few other Arab nations with regard to migration. In light of intense criticism from the human rights defenders, the reform of kafala has been on the agenda of governments across the region. The most recent studies provide evidence of incipient steps on the path of reform, doubting, however, the depth of the implemented measures. This paper will provide a comparative analysis regarding the system across the GCC nations and the different types of reform that have been attempted in order to enhance the compliance of migrant workers’ rights. It will also describe the impact of the system on Romanian migrants and their perception of the improvements generated by the reforms. The research is based on data provided by the authorities of the six GCC countries and data emerging from the international organizations’ reports. I have also conducted a poll among Romanian migrants in the region, to develop a better understanding of the consequences, costs and effects inflicted by system upon their daily lives. The conclusions address the stages of reform in the analyzed countries, underlying the lack of structural reform where the case, future reform opportunities and the perception upon the system of the Romanian migrants in the region.