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KAFA (enough) Violence & Exploitation - http://www.kafa.org.lb/

Policy Paper on Reforming the “Sponsorship System” for Migrant Domestic Workers: Towards an Alternative Governance Scheme in Lebanon

Direct Link to Full 58-Page January 2012 KAFA Document: http://www.kafa.org.lb/StudiesPublicationPDF/PRpdf47.pdf

In recent years, the “sponsorship system” (kafala) in Lebanon and in other countries in the region has been identified as a core problem leading to the exploitation and abuse of migrant domestic workers. Previous studies published by KAFA (enough) Violence & Exploitation have argued that “sponsorship” is one root cause for migrant domestic workers’ vulnerability to forced labor, physical and sexual abuse, as well as trafficking.2 This policy paper on the alternatives to the “sponsorship system” builds on previous research conducted by KAFA which called for the reform and/or abolition of this regulatory and customary system, and addresses gaps in existing research that fell short in proposing concrete measures.

The policy paper attempts to provide policy makers, human rights advocates and other relevant stakeholders with a framework for the implementation of a rights-based approach to the recruitment and employment of foreign domestic workers, as well as examples and lessons learned from other countries to guide in the development of this alternative policy.

We hope it will offer all relevant stakeholders a new discussion platform to debate and develop alternative immigration and employment mechanisms for migrant domestic workers that protect their rights and effectively prevent trafficking and exploitative situations from occurring.