Towards Establishing a Human Rights-Based Approach Alternative to the Kafala System for Domestic Workers in Jordan

This paper presents a thorough analysis of the kafala system in Jordan, drawing on a detailed review of both international and national legislation, as well as relevant reports and studies. It also examines previous statistics and research regarding the system, offering insights into the legal and social context of domestic workers. The methodology and findings are summarized below:

• Data collection: The paper utilized data collected from the Legal Aid Unit and organized awareness-raising and training sessions for domestic workers at Adalah. A total of 60 domestic workers were interviewed about their experiences and the abuses they faced under the current system. These interviews were conducted in the workers' native languages with the help of interpreters to ensure that their experiences and concerns were accurately communicated. Additional interviews in English and Arabic were also conducted to gain a broader understanding of the topic.
• Analysis of results: The information collected from interviews and statistics was carefully analyzed. Violations faced by female workers were categorized into several areas, including financial exploitation, inhumane working conditions, and restrictions on freedom of movement. This analysis illuminated the various dimensions of the issues caused by the kafala system and highlighted its impact on human rights.
• Stakeholder interaction: Alongside data collection, dialogue sessions were held with key stakeholders, including representatives from the government, civil society organizations, and trade unions. These sessions provided a platform for exchanging views on the challenges and opportunities associated with reforming the kafala system.
• Formulation of recommendations: Based on the analysis results and discussions with stakeholders, a set of practical recommendations was developed to promote the rights of domestic workers and improve their working conditions. These recommendations include proposals to restructure the kafala system, making it more humane and aligned with workers' rights.