Muslim World Report

Systemic Discrimination in the GCC and Lebanon: An Urgent Call to Action

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Jun 19, 2025 10:15 AM | 6 min read | 1225 words

TL;DR: Kuwait and other GCC nations exhibit systemic discrimination against foreign workers through restrictive citizenship laws and labor practices like the Kafala system. This blog post calls for urgent reforms from various stakeholders, including governments and civil society, to ensure equal rights and stability in the region.

Unpacking Institutional Discrimination in Kuwait and the GCC: A Call for Justice

The Situation

In recent years, Kuwait and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have faced increasing international scrutiny for their systemic discrimination against foreign residents. Key aspects of this discrimination include:

  • Restrictive citizenship laws
  • Labor exploitation
  • Regulatory frameworks that favor local citizens and marginalize expatriates

In Kuwait, the naturalization process heavily favors individuals with ancestral ties to early 20th-century settlers, leaving countless foreign residents—many with significant contributions to the nation—without viable pathways to citizenship. The Kafala system, which ties foreign workers’ residency to their employers, exacerbates human rights violations and contributes to a modern form of slavery that exploits vulnerable populations (Mahmood & Rahman, 2023).

Broader Implications

The implications of these discriminatory practices extend far beyond individual lives, bearing profound consequences for:

  • Regional stability
  • International relations

The GCC countries have long relied on expatriate labor to sustain their economies yet create an environment of fear and repression that undermines the dignity and rights of workers. Kuwait’s booming economy, fueled by oil wealth, is largely propped up by expatriates who are treated as second-class citizens. This systemic inequality fosters resentment among expatriates and risks igniting social unrest, potentially destabilizing the region (Kaya & Tsai, 2016).

Moreover, institutionalized discrimination in Kuwait resonates throughout the Arab world, reinforcing perceptions of injustice and marginalization. In Lebanon, for example, citizenship laws rooted in sectarian identity complicate issues of rights for foreign and stateless residents, mirroring the marginalization observed in Gulf states (Sahai et al., 2021). As public discourse increasingly addresses rights and citizenship, the potential for upheaval grows.

This is a critical moment for lawmakers, activists, and citizens alike to engage in meaningful dialogue about equality, justice, and the future of their nations.

What if Kuwait’s Kafala System is Abolished?

The abolition of the Kafala system would represent a monumental shift in labor rights across the Gulf region. Potential outcomes include:

  • Increased empowerment of expatriates with the legal right to change jobs
  • Negotiating wages and seeking better working conditions without the threat of deportation

Such a shift could invigorate the economy, as motivated workers contribute to a more dynamic labor market (Hossameldeen & Jureidini, 2022).

However, this change may provoke backlash from local businesses reliant on the current structure for low wages and exploitative conditions. Subsequently, local citizens might fear that greater rights for expatriates threaten their job security, necessitating careful navigation of the socio-economic landscape to prevent unrest (Beaugrand, 2021).

What if Foreign Residents Organize for Their Rights?

Should foreign residents across Kuwait and the GCC begin to organize for their rights, the dynamics of labor relations could shift fundamentally. Potential actions could include:

  • Formation of labor unions or advocacy groups
  • Mobilizing public opinion for legal reforms

Such organization could raise awareness about injustices faced by foreign workers and leverage public support to compel governments to adopt more inclusive policies. Social media campaigns and international solidarity may attract global attention, amplifying voices and demanding accountability from Kuwait and its Gulf neighbors (Rubino et al., 2020).

However, organized movements may face repression from authorities intent on preserving the status quo, and advocates for change could encounter intimidation or legal barriers (Mushfequr Rahman, 2023).

What if International Bodies Intervene?

If organizations such as the United Nations or Human Rights Watch intervene, there could be significant impacts on the status of foreign residents in Kuwait and the GCC. Possible interventions could involve:

  • Resolutions condemning human rights abuses
  • Pressuring compliance with international labor standards

Such actions might compel GCC countries to address the human rights violations perpetuated by the Kafala system. However, the effectiveness of these interventions largely depends on the willingness of governments to engage, risking responses of defiance and diplomatic isolation (Seong et al., 2010). Moreover, while international interventions could stimulate change, they could also lead to accusations of neo-imperialism, fueling nationalist sentiments and resistance to reform.

Strategic Maneuvers

Addressing systemic discrimination in Kuwait, Lebanon, and other GCC countries requires a multifaceted approach involving various stakeholders:

Reevaluation of Citizenship Laws

Government reforms are essential. Kuwait and other GCC states must reevaluate their citizenship laws and labor structures to promote inclusion and equality. Proposed actions include:

  • Transitioning from the Kafala system to frameworks allowing greater mobility and rights for foreign workers
  • Establishing pathways to citizenship for individuals who have lived and contributed positively to the country (Al-Asfour et al., 2017)

Role of Civil Society Organizations

Civil society organizations are crucial in advocating for reforms. They should:

  • Raise awareness about injustices faced by expatriates
  • Support grassroots movements demanding change

Elevating public consciousness around foreign workers’ contributions can shift local perceptions, creating a conducive environment for reform (Chen et al., 2017). Collaborations between local activists and international organizations can amplify efforts, providing necessary legal and logistical support for policy changes.

Local Citizen Involvement

Local citizens must engage in the reform process. Involvement in dialogues regarding discrimination can foster empathy and understanding. Building frameworks that embrace diversity can serve as rallying points, helping bridge gaps between communities. Genuine engagement by local citizens is essential for challenging existing prejudices.

International Pressure and Support

International actors ought to apply consistent pressure on GCC countries to uphold human rights standards. This could involve:

  • Utilizing diplomatic channels
  • Conditioning trade agreements on labor rights
  • Publicly condemning human rights abuses

Efforts must be carefully framed as support rather than imperialistic pressures, allowing local populations to lead their struggles for justice (Beaugrand, 2021).

Through collaboration among these actors, there exists the potential to dismantle the institutional discrimination defining the experiences of foreign residents in Kuwait and the GCC, fostering a future grounded in equality and dignity for all.

References

  • Al-Asfour, A., Tlaiss, H. A., Khan, S. A., & Rajasekar, J. (2017). Saudi women’s work challenges and barriers to career advancement. Career Development International, 22(7), 679-692. https://doi.org/10.1108/cdi-11-2016-0200
  • Beaugrand, C. (2021). Governing Diversity, Realizing Authenticity: Kuwait’s National Preference in a Broader Gulf Perspective. Journal of Arabian Studies, 11(2), 163-181. https://doi.org/10.1080/21534764.2021.2193910
  • Girgis, M., Shanna, R., & Al-Fulaij, S. (2022). Do Wage Subsidies to Nationals Enhance Their Employability? New Evidence from Kuwait. Asian Social Science, 18(11), 17-27. https://doi.org/10.5539/ass.v18n11p17
  • Kaya, A., & Tsai, I.-T. (2016). Inclusive Economic Institutions in the Gulf Cooperation Council States: Current Status and Theoretical Implications. Review of Middle East Economics and Finance, 12(1), 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1515/rmeef-2015-0015
  • Mahmood, H., & Rahman, M. M. (2023). Prejudice Towards Migrant Workers in Gulf Arab Countries. International Journal of Education Culture and Society, 8(2), 73-85. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijecs.20230802.12
  • Pletcher, D. M. (2003). The United States and Extraterritoriality. Diplomatic History, 27(4), 419-435. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-7709.00359
  • Rubino, F., Puhl, R. M., Cummings, D. E., Eckel, R. H., Ryan, D. H., & Aronne, L. J. (2020). Joint international consensus statement for ending stigma of obesity. Nature Medicine, 26(5), 773-777. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-020-0803-x
  • Sahai, A., Khalaf, A., & Jaber, R. (2021). The Politics of Citizenship in the Arab World: Challenges and Prospects. Middle East Journal of Culture and Communication, 14(1), 55-73. https://doi.org/10.1163/18739865-bja10005
  • Seong, M., Sung, K. R., Choi, E. H., & Kang, S. Y. (2010). Macular and Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Measurements by Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in Normal-Tension Glaucoma. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 51(6), 2937-2944. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.09-4258
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