UN Experts Urge Saudi Arabia to Dismantle Kafala System Ahead of 2034 World Cup

While Saudi Arabia introduced the Labour Reform Initiative in 2021, aimed at improving worker mobility and conditions, UN experts say significant gaps remain.

United Nations human rights experts have issued a strong call for Saudi Arabia to effectively abolish the Kafala (sponsorship) system, warning that persistent labour abuses against millions of migrant workers risk undermining both human rights commitments and the country's global standing as it prepares to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

The warning comes amid renewed scrutiny of labour conditions in the Kingdom, where migrant workers—estimated at around 16 million—form the backbone of key sectors including construction, domestic work, and services.

Persistent Abuse Despite Reform Promises

While Saudi Arabia introduced the Labour Reform Initiative in 2021, aimed at improving worker mobility and conditions, UN experts say significant gaps remain.

"Five years after the encouraging announcement of labour reforms, we continue to receive reports of abuse and labour exploitation," the experts said.

Reported violations include:

• Unexplained migrant worker deaths without accountability

• Wage theft and delayed payments

• Workplace violence and unsafe conditions

• Confiscation of passports and identity documents

• Imposition of excessive recruitment fees, often leading to debt bondage

"These practices must stop," the experts stressed.

Kafala System Still Restricts Worker Freedom

At the centre of concerns is the continued operation of the Kafala system, which grants employers extensive control over a worker's legal status.

Under the system, migrant workers often require employer approval to:

• Change jobs

• Leave the country

• Access legal remedies

Although reforms have eased some restrictions, loopholes allow employers to retain significant control, with reports of:

• Exit bans imposed on workers seeking to leave

• Retaliatory legal cases filed against employees

• Restrictions used to trap workers in abusive conditions

These practices raise serious concerns about freedom of movement, job mobility, and basic labour rights.

Barriers to Justice and Accountability

The experts highlighted systemic obstacles that prevent workers from reporting abuse or seeking redress:

• Fear of retaliation or deportation

• Limited access to legal assistance

• Complex administrative procedures

• Language and financial barriers

Families of deceased workers face additional challenges, often struggling to obtain information, accountability, or compensation—especially when attempting to pursue cases from abroad.

Domestic Workers Among the Most Vulnerable

Particular concern was raised for migrant domestic workers, who remain largely excluded from core labour protections.

Many face heightened risks of:

• Forced labour and trafficking

• Physical and sexual abuse

• Excessive working hours without rest

• Isolation within private households

Experts say this group remains one of the least protected despite repeated reform commitments.

Rising Risks Amid Regional Instability

The situation is further complicated by ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which have increased risks for migrant workers, including:

• Sudden job loss

• Exposure to unsafe conditions

• Limited evacuation or protection mechanisms during crises

These factors exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and highlight the urgency of systemic reform.

Calls for Comprehensive Reform

UN experts are urging Saudi authorities to take immediate and concrete steps, including:

• Dismantling the Kafala system in both law and practice

• Ensuring workers can freely change jobs and exit the country

• Extending full labour protections to all migrant workers, including domestic workers

• Strengthening enforcement of labour laws and accountability mechanisms

• Establishing safe, accessible reporting channels for abuse

• Ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families

"Meaningful change will depend on consistent implementation, independent oversight and accountability," the experts said.

Global Spotlight Ahead of 2034

With Saudi Arabia set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, international attention on labour rights is expected to intensify—mirroring scrutiny seen in previous host countries.

Experts emphasised that safeguarding migrant workers is not only a human rights obligation but also critical to the success and credibility of the event and the Kingdom's broader development agenda.

"While many migrant workers are the driving force of the Saudi economy, many are left without a voice and often trapped in cycles of exploitation," the experts noted.

A Defining Test for Reform

The UN experts confirmed they have formally raised these concerns with the Saudi government.

As the country accelerates infrastructure development and global engagement, the effectiveness of its labour reforms will be closely watched.

The coming years may prove decisive in determining whether Saudi Arabia can transition from incremental reform to systemic change, ensuring that economic progress is matched by respect for dignity, rights, and justice for millions of migrant workers.