Ghana: Country profile and national roadmap: Analysis of recruitment policy, processes and practices, an action plan for fair recruitment

This Recruitment Country Profile is a study on the legal and regulatory framework governing the recruitment and placement of migrant workers in Ghana that provides a comprehensive analysis of the existing national system, identifies gaps, and offers concrete recommendations to strengthen governance of recruitment based on workers’ rights.

Supported by the Integrated Programme on Fair Recruitment – Phase III (FAIR III), it represents an analytical and participatory effort to strengthen the governance of recruitment of migrant workers in Ghana. Grounded in the ILO’s General Principles and Operational Guidelines for Fair Recruitment and relevant international labour standards, it identifies key normative and institutional gaps in the current framework and proposes measures to align national legislation and policies with international standards. Through documentary analysis and tripartite stakeholder consultations, the study serves as a practical and strategic tool for guiding public policy, strengthening coordination among actors, and advancing fair recruitment.

The second part of the document is showcasing a National Roadmap to promote fair recruitment in Ghana, an effort to enhance labour migration governance and ensure the protection of migrant workers’ rights. Developed through a consultative process involving key stakeholders, the roadmap provides a strategic framework for fostering fair and transparent recruitment practices in Ghana.

It aims to align Ghana's national policies and practices with international labour standards and human rights relevant to fair recruitment, ensuring that migrant workers, whether in Ghana or abroad, are protected from exploitation, abuse, and discrimination and can enjoy decent and productive employment. In addition to more robust regulatory oversight, it supports the integration of fair business practices among employers, ensures a strong role for workers’ organizations, and engages media professionals to raise public awareness on labour migration and recruitment issues.

Policy brief: Registration, Licensing, and Inspection of Private Recruitment Agencies for Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia

This policy brief examines the registration, licensing, and inspection of private recruitment agencies in Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia to improve regional migration management. The research, based on studies of Ugandan domestic workers in Saudi Arabia, Kenyan migrants in Somalia's education sector, and Ethiopian hospitality workers in South Sudan, identifies key challenges. The brief's findings include that private recruitment agencies face significant constraints, such as extended processing times that exceed client deadlines and erode profit margins. Additionally, government revocation of licenses prevents agencies from performing crucial labour monitoring functions. In the absence of recruitment agencies, employers in Somalia and South Sudan often use professional, social, and family networks to facilitate migration, which can lead to a lack of effective mechanisms for monitoring labour conditions and addressing grievances. To address these issues, the brief recommends that Employers' Business Membership Organizations (EBMOs) advocate for legislative amendments to clarify roles and responsibilities, establish effective grievance mechanisms, and enhance inter-ministerial coordination to streamline licensing processes. It also suggests that EBMOs engage with private recruitment agencies and facilitate dialogue among them.

Thematic Note: Ensuring fair recruitment for migrant care workers

This Note explores some of the key fair recruitment challenges for migrant care workers and outlines key policy priorities.

Measuring Sustainable Development Goal indicator 10.7.1 on the recruitment costs of migrant workers: Results of the 2019 Philippine survey on overseas Filipinos

The report presents an assessment of the pilot process on measuring SDG indicator 10.7.1, undertaken by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in collaboration with the ILO.

The survey findings provide an indication on the burden of recruitment costs to overseas Filipino migrant workers. Results shed light on possible impacts of existing policies to protect Overseas Filipino Workrs (OFWs) as well as indicating future areas and target groups of policy focus when tackling issues related to high recruitment fees and related costs of Filipino migrant workers going to work abroad.