General principles and operational guidelines for fair recruitment and definition of recruitment fees and related costs

The principles and guidelines aim to inform the current and future work of the ILO and of other organizations, national legislatures, and the social partners on promoting and ensuring fair recruitment. The principles and guidelines were developed by a Tripartite Meeting of Experts, held in September 2016.

The definition of recruitment fees and related costs recognizes the principle that workers shall not be charged directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, any fees or related costs for their recruitment. This comprehensive definition is guided by international labour standards and should be read together with the principles and guidelines. The definition was adopted by a Tripartite Meeting of Experts, held in Geneva in November 2018.

Together this guidance forms a comprehensive approach to realizing fair recruitment through development, implementation and enforcement of laws and policies aiming to regulate the recruitment industry and protect workers’ rights.

This guidance is developed within the framework of the Fair Recruitment Initiative, which aims to help prevent human trafficking, protect the rights of workers (including migrant workers) from abusive and fraudulent practices during the recruitment and placement process, reduce the cost of labour migration and enhance development gains.

ILO ILM statistics database

This page presents statistical information on migrant worker stocks, inflows and outflows. 

ILO Global estimates on international migrant workers: Results and methodology

This third edition of the ILO Global estimates on international migrant workers: Results and methodology presents the most recent estimates on the stock of international migrant workers, disaggregated by age, sex, country-income group and region, and the estimation methodology. The reference year is 2019. The report predates the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, which has affected the magnitude and characteristics of international labour migration. The estimates offer a benchmark against which the COVID-19 driven changes can be analysed in the future.

The periodic publication of this report provides information on recent trends on labour migration and therefore contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as supporting policymaking at the country, regional and global levels.

El acceso de refugiados y otras personas desplazadas por la fuerza al mercado de trabajo

Documento de referencia y proyecto de principios rectores de la OIT para su discusión en la Reunión técnica tripartita sobre el acceso de refugiados y otras personas desplazadas por la fuerza al mercado de trabajo.

Este documento de referencia y el proyecto de principios rectores de la OIT se han preparado con el fin de proporcionar una base y un marco para las deliberaciones de la Reunión técnica.

Asegurar la contratación equitativa durante la pandemia de la COVID-19

En el presente informe se destacan los principales desafíos de la contratación nacional e internacional de trabajadores durante la pandemia de la COVID-19, la respuesta de la OIT así como las políticas y medidas recomendadas. En el anexo se describen las prácticas de las partes interesadas para promover la contratación equitativa durante la pandemia de la COVID-19.

Principles and guidelines for the repayment of migrant worker recruitment fees and related costs

Impactt has developed the guidance based on its in-depth field experience implementing repayment programmes. Impactt has worked with partners to facilitate repayment of over US$111 million in recruitment costs to over 86,000 migrant workers employed by 210 companies around the globe, acting both for employers and for other supply chain actors. The guidelines have also benefited from consultation with over 150 expert stakeholders from international bodies, governmental organisations, international trade unions, multi-stakeholder initiatives, investors, CSOs, consultancies, lawyers, activists, campaigners, employers, former migrant workers and multi-national companies.

Standards for repayment of migrant worker recruitment fees and related costs

This document sets out recommended Standards developed by Impactt for repayment of migrant worker-paid recruitment Fees and Costs.