Qatar vows to change \\\'kafala\\\' labour law

DOHA, Nov 16 (AFP): Qatar, host of the 2022 football World Cup, pledged Sunday to introduce new legislation to replace the controversial "kafala" sponsorship system and improve conditions for migrant workers by early 2015.

The current law, which limits the rights of movement for foreign workers, would make way for legislation that was "currently under review," said the labour and social affairs ministry.

"We expect to make announcements about new legislation by early next year," it said in a statement.

Qatar's treatment of its massive foreign workforce has come under the international spotlight as it steps up construction of facilities for the world football showcase in 2022.

Human rights groups and FIFPro, the global union representing footballers, have urged Qatar to abolish the kafala system, which enables employers to prevent foreign workers from leaving the country or changing jobs and has been likened to modern-day slavery.