The ILO Fair Recruitment Initiative, in collaboration with ITC-ILO and with the support of the Integrated Programme on Fair Recruitment (FAIR, phase III) hosted on the 23^rd of June an online knowledge exchange highlighting Fair recruitment of migrant workers with disabilities. 

Can recruitment truly be called “fair” unless it includes everyone? Migrant workers with disabilities who are often overlooked in policy, practice, and data, expose the limits of that notion of fairness. Acknowledging this reality, the ILO and ITCILO convened this virtual knowledge exchange session, inviting global experts and audience to engage in a rich discussion aimed at building more robust and effective labour migration systems, ones that address the specific challenges faced by migrant workers with disabilities and ensure that no one is left behind.

The webinar aligned with the Fair Recruitment Initiative’s 2026–2030 strategy, which promotes fairness throughout recruitment and inclusive partnerships. Addressing the specific risks faced by migrant workers with disabilities is a necessary step in realizing that vision.

A technical brief set the stage by outlining risks such as recruitment fees, contract deception, inaccessible infrastructure, and workplace discrimination. These challenges stem from both policy gaps and implementation issues. A major hurdle remains the lack of reliable, disaggregated data, often due to stigma, fear of discrimination, and potential deportation, which hampers targeted support and policy design.

Despite this, promising solutions are emerging. Legal reforms, inclusive training, and meaningful participation of migrant workers with disabilities in decision-making are proving effective. The private sector plays a key role, adopting employer-paid recruitment models and addressing barriers like language, skills recognition, and disabilities acquired during migration. Good practices from Latin America show the value of community engagement and qualitative research in tackling cultural and data challenges. Long-term inclusion also requires sustainable training and upskilling initiatives.

Participants voiced concern about the lack of data, tied to fears of disclosure. Key issues included safe reporting, psycho-social support, employer readiness, and distinctions between physical and psychological disabilities. Emphasis was placed on creating accessible recruitment systems, accountability mechanisms, and partnerships with disability-led organizations, while ensuring migrant workers with disabilities are directly involved in shaping solutions.