Under the Kafala System, what must foreign workers do with their passports?

The Kafala System is a labor sponsorship framework primarily used in some Middle Eastern countries to regulate the employment of foreign workers. Under this system, foreign workers must hand over their passports to their employers, which is a common requirement. This practice effectively ties the workers' legal status and mobility to their employers, making it difficult for them to leave their job or the country without the employer’s consent.

This arrangement often leads to significant power imbalances in the employer-employee relationship, as many workers find themselves without control over their own documentation. Employer control over passports can result in situations where workers face restrictions on their freedom of movement and are unable to seek alternative employment or repatriate. Understanding this system is crucial for comprehending the challenges faced by migrant workers in these regions.