The government is making a good move to end sponsorship system in the labor sector (New labor law to end individual sponsorship, March 1). Primarily it will benefit the workers who are not treated fairly by their employers.
With their passports no longer in the hands of their employers, the workers can easily transfer to another company, especially if the current requirement for workers to get a no-objection certificate is waived. I can foresee that this will also raise the wages of competent workers. In the long run, it will be good not only for the workers but also for the employers and the government. But, of course, until we see the final draft of the proposed law, we can only speculate.
Khalid, Online response
II.
This is a good idea and will benefit the workers. The sponsorship system has been abused by many employers and sponsors who sell visa to expatriates. Going by the news reports, the employers should be mandated to provide their workers with health insurance. The proposed new labor law is definitely being awaited by the workers.
Soghra Begum, Online response
III.
Many workers are suffering from the sponsorship system. Many sponsors or kafeel exploit workers under their sponsorship, specially during the renewal of iqamas. The proposed new law will put an end to this exploitation as well as to abuses of employers.
SHS, Online response
IV.
I was happy to read about the government's plan to end the individual sponsorship system. Many young people left their country through this sponsorship system but later found themselves in difficult situations. If the sponsorship system is abolished at least they can easily leave the country if they choose to go home.
Saba Fatima, Online response