Political Transformation of Migration through Iqomah A Study of the Paradigm Shift in Saudi Arabia's Labor Diplomacy

Abstract

This study examines the transformation of Saudi Arabia's migration policy through the reform of the Iqomah system and its implications for labor diplomacy. Using a normative juridical method, this study analyzes regulatory changes, bilateral labor agreements, and the normative framework governing migrant worker mobility. The results show that the Iqomah reform strengthens the legal status of workers, reorganizes the sponsorship mechanism, and increases administrative transparency through the digitization of services. These changes encourage a shift in labor diplomacy from a reactive pattern to a more proactive and collaborative approach in line with international standards. The study concludes that the Iqomah reform not only reconstructs the legal structure of labor relations but also influences the pattern of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and worker-sending countries. The study's recommendations include improving bilateral coordination, refining legal protection instruments, and the need for further research to assess the implementation of reforms and enrich the development of migration diplomacy theory.