Women’s History Month 2026: Migrant Women and the Hidden Cost of the Kafala System in GCC States
This investigation examines allegations related to women's rights & gender discrimination. The available public evidence shows Exclusion of domestic workers from fundamental labor protections, Systemic passport confiscation by employers, and Forced labor conditions including excessive working hours. Qatar or relevant parties have not issued a documented public response at the time of writing. The primary sources are reporting by Anti-Slavery International.
- Exclusion of domestic workers from fundamental labor protections
- Systemic passport confiscation by employers
- Forced labor conditions including excessive working hours
- Lack of privacy and freedom of movement for domestic staff
According to Anti-Slavery International, migrant women in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, including Qatar, remain uniquely vulnerable to exploitation under the Kafala system. The report highlights that domestic workers are frequently excluded from standard labor protections, leading to conditions such as seven-day work weeks, passport confiscation, and a lack of private living spaces. The organization notes that these women are often trapped in abusive employment relationships due to the legal framework that ties their residency status directly to their employers, effectively preventing them from escaping exploitation.
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These workers are frequently excluded from labour protections granted to other migrant workers, with reports exposing instances of seven-day work weeks and passport confiscation.
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Attribution: The above summary is based on reporting originally published by Anti-Slavery International. All allegations and claims should be verified against the original source. Qatar Exposed does not make independent factual claims.
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