Saudi Arabia has put an end, after many years, to the kafala system. This decision will help foreign workers in the country have more rights. They will be allowed to leave the country without an exit visa, and will also benefit of greater legal protection.

The kafala system in Saudi Arabia

The kafala system is a legal model for managing labour migration. Besides Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, and some Gulf countries use this system. Kafala means ‘sponsorship’ in Arabic. According to this system, migrants must have a sponsor in order to be able work in the country. This sponsor is most of the times, the migrant's employer. The kafala system was introduced to transfer the governement administrative tasks to companies. For instance, it simplifies the visa application process, which results in the migrant's visa or residence permit being closely linked to the sponsor. However, this makes workers highly dependent on their employers, since not only the government but also the sponsor can extend or withdraw their visa.

The unequal balance between employers and migrant workers has made this system controversial. Many cases of exploitation have been reported in several Arab countries in recent years, because of poor working conditions and discrimination. This became even more evident in the run-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Migrants, especially those from South and Southeast Asian countries, were working on the construction of stadiums and infrastructure in appalling conditions. Many Arab countries claim to have abolished the system, but it seems that in practice it still exists. Saudi Arabia has now officially confirmed the abolition of the kafala system.

Greater rights for migrant workers

Saudi Arabia is replacing the kafala system with a model based on employment contracts, more in line with modern labour standards. Under the new system, migrants will be able to change jobs without having to seek prior authorisation from their employers. Besides that, migrants will no longer need an exit visa, in order to leave Saudi Arabia and re-enter the country. Under the new model, employers will not have the capacity to force migrants to leave the country by withdrawing their visas.

Saudi Arabia aims with these reforms to modernise its labour market and attract more foreign talent and investors. At the same time, the new system should improve the welfare of migrant workers.

The e-visa for tourist and business travel

These changes only affect those who are going to work in Saudi Arabia. The new system does not imply any changes for tourists and business travellers visiting the country, who can continue to apply for your visa easily online. The electronic visa for Saudi Arabia is valid for one year and allows for an unlimited number of trips to the country. Travellers may enter the country once per year with an electronic visa and stay for a maximum of 90 days in Saudi Arabia . The e-visa is suitable for holidays, short business trips, stopovers or performing the Umrah. If you are not going to work in Saudi Arabia, you can generally use the e-visa.

Apply for the electronic visa using the digital application form. You will then need to submit a passport photo or a clear selfie. Once approved, you will receive your visa by email. You can print it out and take it with you on your trip.