FIFA’s decision to award Qatar the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup has been mired in controversy from the moment of its announcement. An absolute Islamic state governed by a hereditary monarchy, the country has faced international backlash for its alleged bribery of FIFA officials, curtailment of freedom of expression and repressive treatment of women and LGTBQ+ people. Perhaps the most often cited criticism of the country as a host for the world’s biggest sporting competition has been its treatment of workers. Thousands of migrants have faced inhumane conditions and abuses in Qatar under an employment system that leaves them vulnerable to predatory sponsors. This feature explores the key facets of the ‘kafala’ system and their role in shaping the modern image of Qatar and the wider Middle East. Written By Oliver Sullivan SPECIAL FEATURE 35 How the Kafala System Shaped Qatar
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