Is kafala system abolished in Qatar?
On 13 December 2016, the Qatari government introduced a new labour law which it said would bring “tangible benefits” to workers in the country by abolishing the Kafala system. The new regulations, aimed at making it easier for migrant workers to change jobs and leave the country, came into effect immediately.
What is the kafala system in Qatar?
The kafala, or sponsorship, system defines the relationship between foreign workers and their local sponsor, or kafeel, which is usually their employer. It is found in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—as well as Jordan and Lebanon.
Why is kafala system bad?
If a worker leaves without the Kafeel’s permission, even when responding to abuse they may face immigration charges with criminal penalties, indefinite detention and deportation. The Kafala system often creates irregular situations in both employment and immigration status for migrant workers.
Can I change my sponsor in Qatar?
Residents and companies may submit a request online through the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website to obtain the approval on changing their employer/sponsor.
Which countries have kafala system?
What is the Kafala System?
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE.
- Jordan.
- Lebanon.
How does the kafala system work?
The kafala system in Saudi Arabia previously tied workers to their employers, or sponsors, who are responsible for the employees’ visa and legal status. The new law would limit the relationship between employers and expatriate workers under the system, who primarily work in construction and domestic work.
Which country has ended the kafala system?
“Saudi Arabia has announced that it will end its notorious sponsorship or kafala system on March 14. Migrante-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, together with all OFWs in the country, is glad and jubilant and is celebrating over this historic action,” Migrante International (MI) said in a statement late on Saturday.
What are the documents required for sponsorship change in Qatar?
Documents required
- Copy of the applicant’s passport with valid RP.
- Copy of computer card for companies sponsorship.
- Copy of I.D card for the present and new sponsor and also for employee(for oersibak sponsorship)
- Copy of valid municipal license for the new sponsor.
How long does it take to transfer sponsorship in Qatar 2021?
The whole process may take minimum 10 days to two weeks till you obtain the approval, and is not as you mentioned earlier, that once it’s filled from current employer to be sent to Immigration, NO, you should fill the whol info from all parties, then submit it once with all requirred documents.
Can my sponsor cancel my visa in Qatar?
You need to the important forms for visa cancellation, one form for you to fill out and another form to be filled out by your employer/sponsor. The forms are in Arabic but there would be notes in English at the back of the form.
What is the new kafala system in Qatar?
Qatar declared it ‘abolished’ the Kafala system in December 2016, implementing a contract-based system in its place. Employees with indefinite term contracts can move to another employer after working a minimum of five years with the first employer.
Will Qatar’s new labour law bring tangible benefits to workers?
On 13 December 2016, the Qatari government has introduced a new labour law which it says will bring “tangible benefits” to workers in the country by abolishing the Kafala system.
Can I move to another company in Qatar after termination?
This lack of release (typically through a No Objection Certificate or NOC) restricts employees from moving to another company in Qatar after employment has ended with the present employer. This new law may get rid of the word ‘sponsorship’ but it leaves the same basic system intact.
Who can sponsor a foreign worker?
Under this system, a local citizen or local company (the kafeel) must sponsor foreign workers in order for their work visas and residency to be valid. This means that an individual’s right to work and legal presence is dependent on his or her employer.