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Kuwait may permit self-sponsorship
Expatriates in Kuwait will soon be able to sponsor themselves, if they maintain an impeccable record during their two-year stay in the country, said the Social Affairs and Labour Minister, Mohammad Al Affassi.
This initiative aims to end the sponsorship system, which Kuwait is determined to cancel, Al Affasi said.
This is also being done to find a solution to the issue affecting the reputation of Kuwait, and has significant humanitarian dimensions. Curbing the sponsorship system also implies the elimination of trafficking in work permits and residence permits, he explained.
The Minister has been keen on ending the sponsorship system, and he had spoken supporting Bahrain’s implementation of a decision to cancel the controversial sponsorship system, which permits foreigners to swap jobs without having to obtain consent of their employer.
This move by Bahrain was much appreciated by human rights organizations and several other embassies, but was criticized by the local business community stating that it would hurt the economy and disrupt social agreements.
Under the sponsorship system, a foreigner cannot enter or exit the country or switch jobs without specific approval of the sponsor. This system has no legal anchor and has been in practice to preserve the interests of the employers, while also streamlining the entry and exit of foreign workers.
Bahrain had announced its decision to cancel the sponsorship system in May, and cited eagerness to apply international human rights practices.
Soon after, Qatar announced that it has been closely monitoring developments in Bahrain to assess the situation, and will think about arriving at a decision.
The announcement by the Kuwait minister has been considered to strengthen the overall drive by Gulf officials to address the situation, which is unique in the world.
“The ministry will put out several regulations to ensure the existence of specific and clear laws. Expatriates should not be abused and the ones who can prove after two or three years of their stay in Kuwait, that they hold an excellent record of good conduct, will be permitted to sponsor themselves,” Al Affassi concluded.
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