CHR backs Duterte call to abolish kafala system

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed support for President Duterte’s call for the abolition of the “kafala” or sponsorship system adopted by some countries receiving foreign workers.

CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said the kafala system is an exploitative and outdated labor system that makes foreign workers susceptible to abuse and exploitation.

“The kafala system, originally meant to protect laborers, wherein local individuals or companies that stand as sponsors would shoulder travel expenses and provide housing for laborers employed,” she said.

“This well-meaning system would eventually devolve into a system prone to abuse as the sponsor-worker power imbalance gave the sponsor the power to restrict movement of laborers, leaving them prone to abuse and mistreatment,” she added.

Adopted in most Gulf countries, the kafala system ties the legal status of migrant workers to their employers.

In his speech during the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, Duterte reiterated his call for the abolition of the system, saying it has allowed the oppression and exploitation of overseas Filipino workers.

The commission expressed gratitude to Duterte, stressing that the international community must protest this unfair labor system in order for reforms to be made.

“In the past, reforms to the kafala system were made by host countries to include contract standardization, allowing workers to transfer jobs and easing restrictions of movement,” De Guia said.

“But until considerable reforms are made that allow workers the right to join unions or enter a labor dispute, abuses will continue,” she added.