Saudi Reform Means Expatriate Workers Can Change Jobs Without Boss’ OK Hudhaifa Ebrahim
The changes to the sponsorship system will benefit millions of foreign employees
As of Sunday, foreigners working in the Saudi private sector can switch jobs when their work contracts expire or provided they notify their employers in a timely manner.
The kingdom’s near-abolishment of its 70-year-old
kalafa sponsorship system follows similar reforms in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Other countries such as Qatar, Kuwait and Oman continue the practice, under which an employer can unilaterally renew or terminate residency and work status in the country.