Qatar announced Monday it is introducing long-expected reforms to policies governing its vast foreign-labor force, though the changes still require workers to seek clearance from their bosses before leaving the country.

A statement released by the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs said the changes are intended to ensure "greater flexibility, freedom and protection" to the more than 2.1 million workers in Qatar.

Human Rights Watch deputy Middle East director, Joe Stork said, "The message this law sends is that Qatar doesn't really care much about migrant workers. Its sponsorship system remains a serious stain on Qatar's international reputation."