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17. The Committee notes with concern that article 10 of the 2010 Labour Law still refers to sponsorship of foreign workers. The Committee also expresses concern at the persistent reports of violations of the labour rights of migrant workers, such as payment of very low wages, retention of salaries and long working hours, in contravention of the State party’s legislation (art. 7).
The Committee recommends that the State party take the necessary legislative measures to abolish the sponsorship system altogether and ensure that the procedure for the recruitment and employment of expatriate labour to be applied by the Public Authority for Labour Force effec tively protect s migrant workers against abuse and exploitation. The Committee also recommends that the State party increase the capacity of the labour inspectorate to monitor working conditions in local companies on a regular basis and ensure that sanctions for violations of work ers’ rights be effectively implemented . Moreover, t he Committee recommends that the State party accede to the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of T heir Families.
23. The Committee urges the State party to withdraw its interpretive declaration to article 9 of the Covenant and to give non-nationals access to its contributory social security schemes for old-age pension and unemployment. Moreover, the Committee recommends that the State party ensure that entitlements are not affected by a change of employer and that migrant workers are able to retrieve their contributions when they leave the country , even if they have not acquired the corresponding rights . The Committee refers the State party to its general comment No. 19 (2007) on the right to social security.