GCC states set to cancel sponsorship system

The Gulf Co-operation Council states are set to cancel the sponsorship system under which expatriate manpower is hired in the region, according to media reports.

In a report in Alaswaq.net, sources connected with the GCC labour market said after Bahrain's announcement on Monday of a new labour law from August 1 this year, which does away with the sponsorship system, other GCC countries are expected to follow in the island nation's footsteps.

The Bahraini Labour Minister, Dr Majid Al Alawi, said on Monday that all GCC states were kept informed about Bahrain's decision to cancel the sponsorship system and the decision was not taken in isolation.