Ensuring fair recruitment practices is essential in Mongolia's fight against forced labour

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia (ILO News) - At the invitation of the Mongolian Employers’ Federation (MONEF) about 50 representatives from recruitment and employment agencies, labour suppliers and companies employing migrant workers gathered to discuss their common challenges in recruitment and hiring, and how to prevent abusive recruitment practices and forced labour.

Labour migration is a significant issue in Mongolia, with many people moving from rural areas to urban centers, especially Ulaanbaatar, in search of better economic opportunities. Additionally, a considerable number of Mongolians migrate to countries like South Korea and Japan for higher-paying jobs and improved living conditions. Mongolia also hosts a significant number of foreign workers, particularly in sectors such as mining, construction, and road construction. Both internal and international migration present challenges such as abusive labour practices, human trafficking, visa violations, and the need for better protection of migrant rights.

To address these challenges, Mongolia has implemented several policies and initiatives. The Constitution of Mongolia (1992) prohibits forced labour, and in 2005, Mongolia renewed its commitment to eliminate forced labour by ratifying two fundamental ILO Conventions on Forced labour (C29 and C105). Recently, key labour legislation has been revised, which also addressing forced labour and enhancing the protection of workers. However, there are many issues in the effective enforcement and implementation of these laws through multi-stakeholder involvement. The role of recruiters is important in this regard.

Supported by the USDOL-funded ILO Bridge-II project, the MONEF has engaged businesses to raise their awareness about fair recruitment and the issue of forced labour. The seminar aimed to provide information and knowledge on preventing unfair recruitment practices and forced labour among recruitment and employment agencies.

During the seminar, speakers from the ILO, the Ministry of Family, Labour, and Social Protection, and the MONEF discussed international and national legal frameworks regarding forced labour and fair recruitment guidelines, compliance matters, and available support services for companies. This was followed by interactive discussions among participants, where they shared their experiences and challenges, collaboratively identifying potential solutions through future cooperation with the MONEF.

Participants emphasized the importance of promoting fair recruitment practices through regular awareness-raising efforts, training sessions, and the implementation of legislative and enforcement measures.