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End of kafala no panacea for Egyptian workers in Saudi Arabia

Although Egypt officially welcomes the end of the kafala system in Saudi Arabia, some observers worry the changes will be largely cosmetic as abusive work contracts remain in place.
A foreign labourer works on the construction of a house in the Saudi capital Riyadh on April 13, 2019. - Housing is a potential lightning rod for public discontent in a country where affordable dwellings are beyond the reach of many, posing a key challenge for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as he seeks to overhaul the oil-reliant economy. (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE / AFP)        (Photo credit should read FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images)

CAIRO — Saudi Arabia has received international acclaim for plans to abolish the sponsorship system known as kafala.

Egyptian Minister of Manpower and Immigration Mohammad Saafan announced Nov. 6 that Egyptian labor in Saudi Arabia will receive unprecedented privileges upon the abolition of the kafala system, which has been in force for more than 70 years.

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