Explained: Saudi Ends Kafala System: What It Means for Millions of Indian Migrant Workers

Saudi Labour Reform: Saudi Arabia has officially abolished the Kafala system, ending a decades-old sponsorship model that restricted the freedoms of millions of migrant workers, including over a million Indians. In this explainer, we break down what the Kafala system was, why it was widely criticized as exploitative, and how the new contract-based model could transform the lives of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. From greater job mobility and independence to the right to travel without employer consent, we explain exactly how this reform works and why it matters not just for workers, but for India and the wider Gulf region. Watch this video to understand how Saudi Arabia is reshaping labor rights and what this means for millions of people relying on jobs in the kingdom.