The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has lauded Saudi Arabia’s decision to abolish the kafala or sponsorship system, calling it a historic victory for migrant workers, including thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Announced on October 25, 2025, as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms, the move replaces the controversial sponsorship system with a modern, contract-based employment framework that grants greater freedom and protection to foreign workers.
The DMW said that under the new rules, migrant workers can now change jobs without their employer’s consent after their contract ends, apply for exit and re-entry visas through digital government platforms, and leave the country freely after providing due notice.
These measures, implemented through the Qiwa and Absher platforms, aim to enhance transparency and curb employer abuse.
The reform also extends to domestic workers, a sector long excluded from labor protections and vulnerable to exploitation.
The DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said they will continue to monitor the policy’s rollout to ensure the welfare and rights of OFWs are fully safeguarded under the new system.
