ILO Fair Recruitment Initiative (FRI) - Protecting Migrant Workers
The Fair Recruitment Initiative, launched in 2014, prevents human trafficking and forced labor by protecting migrant workers from abusive recruitment practices. The initiative's four-pronged approach: (1) enhance global knowledge on recruitment, (2) improve laws/enforcement, (3) promote fair business practices, (4) empower and protect workers. Since launch, FRI has covered 50 countries, contributed to 110 countries regulating recruitment fees, and supported 133 new ratifications of relevant ILO Conventions. The ILO General Principles state that NO recruitment fees should be charged to workers. The program addresses the estimated USD 5.6 billion annual illegal profits from exploitative recruitment fees charged to migrant workers.
Theme Areas
Behavior Goal
Eliminate recruitment fees charged to workers; transform recruitment agency practices; protect migrant workers from deception and coercion throughout migration process
Target Audiences
Methods & Approaches
Channels
Implementers & Partners
- International Labour Organization (ILO)
Donors & Sponsors
- Multiple development partners
Key Takeaways
- 1"Employer pays" principle: no fees should be charged to workers
- 2110 countries now regulate recruitment fees - policy diffusion success
- 3Four-pronged approach addresses knowledge, law, business, and worker empowerment
- 4Focus on pre-selection through safe return - entire migration journey
- 5Training toolkit enables capacity building for officials and stakeholders