Current Context : Recently, a massive fire killed 49 migrant workers in Mangaf area of Al Ahmadi municipality, Kuwait, majority of whom are Indians are working under Kafala System.

ABOUT KAFALA SYSTEM

• The ‘Kafala’ system is a legal framework that has been continued for decades in the Gulf countries.
• It is utilized for the employment of foreign workers in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman. 
• The Gulf countries developed this system to offer an affordable and abundant labor supply during their rapid economic growth era.
• Under this system, Gulf governments grant individuals or companies the right to sponsor foreign workers. These companies hire labor from other countries through agencies.
• There are 1 million Indian workers working in Kuwait. This constitutes about 30% of Kuwait’s total workforce.