sponsorship system
Manama: Bahrain's move to become the first Gulf state to scrap the controversial sponsorship system for expatriates, likely to be hailed by rights activists, has sparked concerns among the business community and the federation of trade unions.
Labour Minister Majeed Al Allawi on Monday said Bahrain would implement a new labour law on August 1 that allows foreign workers to switch jobs without their existing employer's consent. "This is the end of the sponsorship system, which does not differ much from slavery," the minister said.
The new law, a major demand by human rights activists, allows foreign workers to move to new jobs simply by informing their existing employers of their intention to end the contract. The notice should be made through registered mail and according to the timeframe stipulated in the employment contract, but must not exceed three months.
"The new employer will then register the worker with the labour authorities, but he or she will have to produce the end of contract notice sent to the former employer," Al Allawi said.
According to the minister, the new law, applicable to both the public and private sectors, guarantees the rights of the employers and employees....
Here's the link and more infos.
http://www.gulfnews.com/news/gulf/bahrain/10310962.html
Its a just law...and fair enough...to both the sponsor and the employee...
The employer will now pay more respect than trod on the poor employee.....and the employee will feel like he is working in his own country....
the attitude of both parties change.....Expect better service in Bahrain...
excited & looking forward that when Qatari government will make such wise decision too.
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Everybody wishes they could go to heaven but no one wants to die.
the thread with the same subject has been initiated by the Bahraini #1: Mr. Paul, and it has been discussed by QLers
http://www.qatarliving.com/node/495249
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“You become responsible forever for what you have tamed”. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
which is still quite backward concerning labour laws. Only way I see it coming is if they open a free trade zone or something.
that's very good! i hope they will do the same in Qatar!
i really like what he said, that this system is close to slavery. in other countries there is no such thing, and people work normally. but then again the % of working Bahrainis is very different ;o)
If you're looking for a problem, you're probably gonna find one.
i just came to know about this yesterday and it is really good news for most people who works in the mideast. it is just in bahrain for now but sooner it will come to qatar and other mideast places. this is good news.