Training strengthens fair recruitment and labour mobility governance in the Pacific region

© ilo

© ilo

Nadi, Fiji (ILO NEWS) – Representatives of government, employers and workers organizations from across the Pacific Islands have gained new knowledge and skills to help them strengthen recruitment governance and protect migrant workers' rights.

They participated in a week-long Pacific Regional Training on Fair Recruitment which ended in Nadi on 7 March 2025. The event was organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and its training arm the International Training Centre (ITCILO), in partnership with the Pacific Climate Change, Migration and Human Security (PCCMHS) Phase II Programme, supported by the Government of New Zealand.

Labour mobility plays a crucial role in the economic and social development of the Pacific region. However, persistent challenges—including high recruitment fees, inadequate regulation, limited access to complaint mechanisms, and informal employment practices—have continued to undermine fair and ethical recruitment processes.

The training was designed to enhance the capacity of government officials and representatives of employers' and workers' organizations to establish fair and transparent recruitment processes.

Participants focused on addressing recruitment governance through the lens of fundamental principles and rights at work especially in relation to forced labour and the power of organizing in combating exploitative recruitment practices and promoting transparency and accountability in recruitment mechanisms. Participants had also the chance to engage in dialogue with representatives of employers and workers from destination countries , highlighting the value of social dialogue.

ILO Office for Pacific Island Countries, Director Martin Wandera emphasized the importance of ethical recruitment in fostering sustainable labour migration: “Ensuring ethical and fair recruitment practices is critical to protecting workers from abuse and exploitation while strengthening economic linkages between countries of origin and destination,” he said.

“By equipping policymakers and labour officials with the necessary knowledge and tools, this initiative has contributed to more sustainable, well-regulated, and fair labour migration systems in the Pacific region, Mr Wandera added.

Ms. Uputaua Lefauaitu, Principle Labour Inspector of Industrial Relations Unit, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, Samoa said "Through this training, I have realized that there are greater opportunities for Pacific Island countries to comply with and enhance their adherence to International Labour Standards on labour migration and fair recruitment."

For more information, please contact:

Mahanam Mithun
Project Officer