What is a restriction faced by foreign workers in the Kafala System?

What is a restriction faced by foreign workers in the Kafala System?

• A. They cannot work overtime
• B. They cannot change jobs or leave the country at will
• C. They are not allowed to establish businesses
• D. They cannot work in certain industries

Answer: (B)

Foreign workers in the Kafala System experience significant restrictions that limit their autonomy, the most notable being that they cannot change jobs or leave the country at will. This system binds the workers to their employers, essentially making them dependent on their sponsorship for their legal status in the host country. If a worker desires to change employers or return home, they must obtain permission from their current employer, which is often difficult due to power imbalances and fear of retaliation. This lack of freedom severely affects their ability to negotiate better working conditions, seek opportunities for advancement, or even leave situations that may be abusive or exploitative. The other choices do highlight varying limitations that foreign workers may face, but the core issue of job and mobility restrictions is central to the criticisms leveled against the Kafala System.

Foreign workers in the Kafala System experience significant restrictions that limit their autonomy, the most notable being that they cannot change jobs or leave the country at will. This system binds the workers to their employers, essentially making them dependent on their sponsorship for their legal status in the host country. If a worker desires to change employers or return home, they must obtain permission from their current employer, which is often difficult due to power imbalances and fear of retaliation. This lack of freedom severely affects their ability to negotiate better working conditions, seek opportunities for advancement, or even leave situations that may be abusive or exploitative.

The other choices do highlight varying limitations that foreign workers may face, but the core issue of job and mobility restrictions is central to the criticisms leveled against the Kafala System.