Saudi Arabia has introduced reforms to its controversial labour sponsorship system, granting millions of expatriate workers, including Bangladeshis, unprecedented freedom to change jobs and travel without employer permission.

Improved reforms to the country's ‘Kafala’ sponsorship system officially took effect last month, according to news reports. Changes mark the end of a system that has been in place for over 50 years across Gulf Cooperation Council countries since the 1950s.

Under the new regulations announced by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, expatriate workers can now move to another job after their contract ends without requiring approval from their previous employer. Even during an active contract period, workers can transfer to another position by following certain controls and notice periods.

Reforms have been welcomed by Bangladeshi expatriates in the Kingdom. Speaking about the development, Bangladeshi worker Mir Monir said the changes will reduce harassment faced by Bangladeshi employees.

"Previously, obtaining leave was not easy, but now workers can take leave when they wish. Moreover, obstacles that prevented Bangladeshis stuck due to visa issues from returning home will also be removed," he told local media.

Another Saudi expatriate, Md Naeem Bhuiya, expressed cautious optimism about the reforms. "Discussions about this reform are ongoing in Saudi Arabia. However, I have heard through various sources that it has not yet been fully implemented," he said. "If it is implemented, it will be highly beneficial for us. We will be able to work elsewhere without the old sponsor's permission after the contract ends, and if we wish, we can travel home for leave."

One of the most significant changes is the abolition of the exit permit requirement. Workers can now travel outside Saudi Arabia after submitting an online notification, without requiring prior approval from their employer. A 'final exit' provision also allows workers to leave immediately after their contract ends by sending an online notification, with no need for employer consent.

Last November, Saudi Arabia's Deputy Minister for Human Resources Abdullah bin Nasser Abuthunain explained that the primary aim of these changes is to make the Saudi labour market more attractive and improve the work environment for all foreign workers in the private sector.

Kafala system had effectively tied expatriate workers to their employer or sponsor, who held responsibility for the worker's visa and legal stay, severely limiting worker independence. Currently, the Kafala system remains in practice in Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Source: Al Arabiya and Gulf News.