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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 6) – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has praised the abolition of Saudi Arabia’s ‘kafala system’ as of March 14, 2021.
DFA Undersecretary Sarah Arriola said on Friday that the Philippines has fought hard against the slavery system involving migrant workers in the Middle East. This has affected many Filipinos, especially domestic workers, according to her.
Arriola explained that the system prevents a worker from traveling or changing sponsorship without the consent of his current employer.
“There are times when this leads to slavery, especially domestic workers, because what is being done to them is being sold, traded or really abused because they have no other option,” he added. she said.
[Translation: There are instances that this leads to slavery especially for household workers. They are being sold and traded. They are being abused because they have no choice.]According to Arriola, the system has made it more difficult for the country to repatriate Filipinos during the pandemic due to the lack of exit visas from employers.
Bahrain eliminated its kafala system in 2009. The undersecretary said that Saudi Arabia abolishing its own kafala system is an even greater step towards protecting the rights of migrant workers.
“Kafala is a form of slavery and a violation of human rights,” he emphasized.
Arriola asked Filipino workers to approach the DFA if their employers still refuse to comply with Saudi Arabia’s reform by March, as they are willing to offer legal assistance.
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