What is the Kafala System?

The Kafala System refers to a sponsorship model that specifically governs the employment of foreign workers in several Gulf countries, including Qatar. Under this system, a local sponsor, typically an employer, assumes responsibility for the foreign worker. This sponsorship grants the employer significant control over various aspects of the worker's life, including employment, residency, and even travel permissions.

In Qatar, the Kafala System has sparked considerable debate and criticism due to its potential for exploitation and abuse of workers' rights. It is designed to ensure that foreign workers are legally tied to their employers for the duration of their contracts, which can create challenges if workers wish to change jobs or if they face issues in their employment situation.

The other options do not accurately describe the Kafala System. While enhancing local healthcare and allowing for job changes might reflect aspirations within certain policies, they do not capture the essence of the Kafala System. Additionally, a free immigration policy for skilled workers does not align with the restrictive nature of the Kafala arrangement, which is markedly different from more open immigration policies. Therefore, the description of a sponsorship model for foreign workers in Qatar is indeed the most accurate representation of the Kafala System.