Kuwait is also considering scrapping the sponsorship system to end the trafficking in residence and work permits, following the footsteps of Bahrain. Foreigners in Kuwait would be able to sponsor themselves if they maintain an impeccable record after a two-year stay in the country, Social Affairs and Labor Minister Mohammad Al Affassi said. He said Kuwait was considering the idea to safeguard its reputation concerning human rights issues. ‘'Putting an end to the sponsorship system also means the elimination of trafficking in residence and work permits,'' Al Affassi was quoted as saying by Al Dar daily. The Minister has recently been calling for an end to the ‘kafala' system and his latest statement was made four days after Bahrain implemented a decision to scrap the controversial sponsorship system, allowing foreigners to switch jobs without the consent of the employer. Bahrain's move was praised by human rights organizations and several embassies, but harshly criticized by the local business community on the grounds that it would hurt the economy and disrupt social agreements. Bahrain in May said it was doing away with the system, citing keenness to apply international human rights practices and a desire to regulate its labor market overwhelmingly dominated by foreigners, mainly unskilled workers from India and Pakistan. Qatar weeks later said it was closely monitoring developments in Bahrain to assess the situation, but without making official commitments.
