WE will not be able to correct the Tasatur on foreigners or rectify their position in the iqama unless we correct the kafala (sponsorship) system. Most of the huroob (runaway workers) cases and the phenomenon of working for employers other than the original sponsors are caused by some of the unrestrained sponsors who deprive the foreign workers of their legal rights with impunity. Many sponsors take advantage of the labor system and its regulations granting them extensive powers over their expatriate workers. The worker comes from his country to be under the mercy of his sponsor, who might force him to do a job not under his contract, ask him to work long hours, delaying his salary or preventing him from enjoying his annual vacation. If the worker dares complain against his kafeel, the latter will threaten him with deportation or cancellation of his iqama. The foreign worker will be obliged to succumb. Even if a foreign worker goes to judicial or labor authorities, he will have to wait for long months before his case is considered. During this time he will be jobless and he will be unable to feed himself and his family. This situation will only be avoided if the sponsorship system is transferred to the recruitment companies under one establishment. These companies will be responsible for the foreign worker, the transfer of his services and the changing of his profession in the iqama. In this case, the relationship between the worker and the employer will be a contractual one only. The iqama and its procedures will be the responsibility of the recruitment companies. This will preserve the rights of both the employer and the employee. The worker will be ensured of his rights and he can transfer his services to another employer as and when his contract period is over. The employer will be relieved from the headache of iqama renewal, exit-re-entry and recruitment procedures.
