http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article151566.ece
Sponsor system must be abolished By ABDUL AZIZ AL-SUWAIGH | AL-MADINAH Published: Oct 2, 2010 00:09 Updated: Oct 2, 2010 00:24 The recent announcement by the Kuwaiti minister of social affairs and labor that his country will abolish the sponsor system starting February is the right way to deal with an important issue that affects Gulf countries. The Kingdom was at the forefront when it allowed foreign businessmen the right to sponsor themselves. That was an advanced step that has helped a great deal in expanding investments. It was the case prior to this for investors to hide behind Saudi citizens. The step has put an end to the phenomenon of concealment and defined the responsibilities of foreign investors. I hope the Kuwaiti minister did not describe the abolition as a "gift" to expatriates in his country. In fact, it is a right that has been realized after studies proved that, according to international laws and norms, the sponsor system degrades human dignity. Islam has long before that ensured the dignity of man over all of God's creatures. The issue of foreign manpower is a hot one. It not only involves two countries - the ones exporting and importing manpower - but also a number of international human rights bodies that closely follow developments. I am certain that the Saudi Labor Ministry's drawers are replete with practical studies on how to best deal with this thorny issue. The ministry and other involved parties, topped by the Ministry of Interior, should get together as soon as possible to deal with this issue. The abolition of the sponsor system and the organization of the affairs of foreign manpower in a way that clearly defines the duties of the employee and the employer will protect the rights of foreign workers and bring an end to citizens trading in work visas. - [email protected] Comments Post a comment Read all comments (29) a.. 29 Comments b.. Post your comment c.. Read all MOHAMMED Oct 2, 2010 13:39 Report abuse Please add some comfort to the Sponsor System, may be abolishing Sponsor System will go aginst the Law of Sharia and against the People of Land. And God provides his Mercy and Humanity. FAROOQ ISLAM Oct 2, 2010 13:44 Report abuse I salute the decision taken by the Govt of Kuwait. At last they recognize the dignity of a human. I wish other Arab states follow the foot steps of Kuwait. By abolishing sponsorship they can rectify the illegal practices of visas. and can control the unnecessarily bringing the foreign labor.. HUSSAIN Oct 2, 2010 14:19 Report abuse We will appreciate if KSA will also re-evaluate its current sponsor system and come up with the best system which will protect the rights of employees and employers. Thanks MANGALOREAN Oct 2, 2010 14:35 Report abuse The sponsorship system is totally bullshit. Here in Saudi Arabia all expatriates working under sponsorship like slave, If a sponsor could not renew his chamber of Commerce licence and If he could not pay Zakah (Alm), His Computer Number will be freezed or blocked in Ministry of Interior (MoI). Ultimately the employees are sufferer, There would not Iqama Renewal, Nor Exit re-entry Visa, not even if death of a extpatriate cannot make his final rights until the sponsor's computer number is unfreezed. ISMAIL Oct 2, 2010 17:44 Report abuse Great .May allah help all workers by giving this gift to protect all workers from sponsers and people who are selling the visas and leaving the labour in trouble with labour court and passport department . [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Post message: [email protected] Subscribe : [email protected] Unsubscribe : [email protected] List owner : [email protected] Homepage : http://proletar.8m.com/Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/proletar/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/proletar/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
