Awareness-raising videos promote fair and ethical recruitment practices in Egypt

Egypt plays a significant role as a key country of origin for migrant workers, with its national statistics agency reporting 11.09 million Egyptian emigrants by the end of 2023. While the Government of Egypt has made considerable strides in enhancing the national frameworks for international recruitment, gaps in the practical implementation of these frameworks have presented challenges. These gaps have resulted irregular recruitment practices outside official channels, increasing the risks of abuse, forced labour, and human trafficking among Egyptian workers.

In response, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Labour, have developed three impactful awareness-raising videos. This initiative is part of the EU-funded THAMM programme (Towards a Holistic Approach to Labour Migration Governance and Labour Mobility in North Africa), which aims to improve labour migration governance and mobility in the region.

Two of the videos specifically target Egyptian migrant workers. Presented as fictional short films featuring professional actors and relatable Egyptian slang, these videos depict real-life scenarios of abuse faced by migrant workers. They address critical issues such as employment contracts, freedom of movement, recruitment fees, and related costs, providing workers with practical knowledge to navigate recruitment processes more safely and effectively.

The third video focuses on private employment agencies, emphasizing their potential role in promoting fair and ethical recruitment practices. Through a series of interviews with policymakers, practitioners, and international labour rights experts, the video highlights the benefits that private employment agencies can reap by adhering to ethical principles within the national regulatory framework. By showcasing successful examples and providing actionable insights, the video aims to inspire these agencies to adopt best practices that align with international labour standards.

These awareness-raising videos underscore the importance of fair and ethical recruitment practices in safeguarding the rights of Egyptian migrant workers and fostering a more transparent and regulated recruitment process. By addressing both workers and private employment agencies, the initiative strives to create a more equitable labour migration landscape, reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing opportunities for all stakeholders.