ILO introduces new Guidelines on Fair Labour Market Services for Migrant Fishers in Indonesia

© FISH Platform

© FISH Platform

BALI, Indonesia (ILO News) - The ILO has unveiled a set of practical tools designed to strengthen the protection of migrant fishers’ labour rights, following the recent adoption of the ILO Guidelines on Fair Labour Market Services for Migrant Fishers.

The announcement was made during an international conference hosted by the FISH Platform, a leading global network of more than 100 experts across 36 countries. Held in Bali from 12–13 November, the event brought together professionals, researchers and stakeholders from around the world, including Indonesia, to discuss innovations, strategies and collaborative opportunities in sustainable fisheries, marine ecosystems, and aquatic food systems.

Representing the ILO, Albert Y. Bonasahat, National Programme Coordinator of the Ship to Shore Rights South-East Asia: Safe Migration for Decent Work in the Blue Economy, presented the new ILO Guidelines on Fair Labour Market Services for Migrant Fishers, which were formally adopted at the Meeting of Experts on Fair Labour Market Services for Migrant Fishers in Geneva, Switzerland, in October 2025.

These guidelines are intended to serve as a reference tool for principles that can be incorporated into the design and implementation of policies, strategies, programmes, legislation, administrative measures and social dialogue mechanisms.

Albert Y. Bonasahat, National Programme Coordinator of the Ship to Shore Rights South-East Asia: Safe Migration for Decent Work in the Blue Economy

Albert explained that the guidelines aim to assist governments and social partners to promote fair, effective and sustainable labour market services for migrant fishers. They clarify the roles and responsibilities of all relevant stakeholders in areas such as recruitment processes, work agreements, complaint procedures, enforcement measures and other essential aspects intended to ensure fair treatment, safeguarding rights and supporting employers in recruiting and retaining a suitably skilled workforce.

“These guidelines are intended to serve as a reference tool for principles that can be incorporated into the design and implementation of policies, strategies, programmes, legislation, administrative measures and social dialogue mechanisms. They can be adapted to different national systems and circumstances,” he stated.

© ILO

© ILO

He further emphasized that the guidelines cover key areas such as fisher’s work agreements; recruitment; repatriation and shore leave; social protection; enforcement; complaint mechanisms; training and awareness-raising; data collection; bilateral agreements; and human rights due diligence. They are designed to support recruitment States, States of origin, flag States, port States, coastal States, labour recruiters, fishing vessel owners, and migrant fishers and their representatives in ensuring fair recruitment and employment practices. These practices aim to protect migrant fishers’ rights while enabling employers to lawfully and efficiently recruit and retain skilled and motivated crews.

“In the newly adopted guidelines, we find, among other elements, a set of eight tools to facilitate implementation, guidance on methodologies to strengthen data collection and relevant statistics on migrant fishers to support policymaking and monitoring,” he added.

Ship to Shore Rights South-East Asia: Safe Migration for Decent Work in the Blue Economy is a regional initiative funded by the European Union (EU). The ILO implements the programme in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), with the overall objective of promoting safe migration and decent work for a sustainable fish and seafood supply chain in South-East Asia. The programme addresses the specific vulnerabilities that migrant workers face in these sectors, as well as the risks they encounter during the labour migration process, which can lead to decent work deficits, labour rights abuses and forced labour.