After years of oppression of migrant workers, Qatar has finally lifted the so-called “kafala system”. As of 2020, migrant workers will no longer need their employer’s permission to leave the country. This step, together with previous changes in law, abolished a system which had basically been holding foreign workers prisoners. The government has also introduced a non-discriminatory minimum wage for migrant workers. In a statement, fellow MEP Maria Arena and I welcomed this decision, which is fundamental for the future of the Qatari labor market.