New Delhi: Saudi Arabia has taken a historic step by ending its 70-year-old Kafala system, setting free millions of migrant workers from restrictive labour rules. The reform aims to improve the welfare and rights of migrant workers. Around 13 million foreign workers, mostly from South and Southeast Asia, are expected to get benefits.

These reforms are part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, focusing at modernising Saudi society, diversifying the economy, and improving the country’s international image.

What does Kafala mean ?

Kafala, meaning “sponsorship” in Arabic, was introduced in the 1950s to maintain the growing number of foreign workers during the Gulf’s oil boom. Under this system, each worker was tied to a local sponsor, or Kafeel, who had complete control over

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