THE KAFALA SYSTEM AND ITS IMPACT ON MIGRANT WORKERS IN QATAR: A FOCUS ON THE HUMAN RIGHT OF MIGRANT WORKERS OF WORLD CUP 2022

Abstract

Qatar is one of the countries that adheres to the Kafala system. The Kafala system is a policy that is primarily used in Gulf countries to regulate migrant workers. Under this system, migrant workers' visas are tied to their employers, who have significant control over their employment, including their ability to change jobs or leave the country. The Kafala system, implemented in Qatar, has a significant impact on migrant workers, especially those employed in construction for the upcoming World Cup 2022. It ties workers to their employers, granting them substantial control over their employment, including visa status and job changes. This system is prone to exploitation and abuse, leaving workers susceptible to poor working conditions and human rights violations. This paper examines the impact of the Kafala system on the human rights of migrant workers in Qatar, with a specific focus on those involved in the preparations for the World Cup 2022. Grounded in human rights theory, this paper will explore how the Kafala system affects the human rights of migrant workers. The study utilizes a qualitative research approach, collecting data from various sources, including academic journals, reputable websites, and news articles. These sources provide a comprehensive understanding of the Kafala system, its historical development, and its implications for migrant workers' human rights. The kafala system which grants employers full control over migrant workers, combined with the Qatari government's insufficient enforcement, significantly undermines the human rights of these individuals.