Qatar to agree changes to kafala system for foreign workers

QATAR— Doha has agreed changes to its controversial kafala sponsorship system for foreign workers.

AFP reported that the Qatar’s cabinet has backed draft legislation and took measures to issue a law regulating the entry, exit and residency of expatriates, citing the official QNA news agency.

The bill included provisions related to regulating the procedures and conditions of expatriates entry, exit, residency and recruitment as well as switching to a different employer, QNA said, without giving further details.

The draft law still requires final approval by ministers, AFP reported

There are around 1.7 million foreign workers in Qatar, many working directly or indirectly on World Cup projects.

Qatar is carrying out a huge infrastructure programme costing $226 billion.