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If you think there is a problem, the first thing to do is identify it and see if it exists. Then, if so, find solutions to resolve and improve matters. There is nothing very profound about that. Yet often it is difficult for people to believe that a problem even exists, so any need to identify something that is not there and resolve it falls back on the American saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". That is tantamount to a blatant refusal to accept change of any type. However, fortunately and most frequently, the "gut feeling" that something is wrong is often proved correct, and that's when alternative thinking comes in handy.
At their two-day meeting in Abu Dhabi last week Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) labour ministers agreed, among many other things, that there was a need to review and revise the sponsorship system that is in existence in the region.
The considered opinion was that much of what is done under the present procedures could be streamlined and improved for the benefit not only of the individual, but also of commerce and, most importantly, of the advantage to state security. Often, when talking of sponsorships, this latter point is overlooked by both the individual and, sadly, commerce. Yet it is vitally important that the security and stability of a country are maintained.
Although expatriates are familiar with working within the present system and accept its restrictions, it will nonetheless be appreciated by everyone if a more fluid approach is given to this most important issue.
Without wanting to undermine any GCC member's labour or security policies, the unification of sponsorship laws will go some way to address grievances that have arisen in the past, in particular with regards to the free movement of labour around the region.
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