Fair Recruitment Initiative

The Fair Recruitment Initiative (FRI) was launched in 2014 as part of the ILO Director General’s call for a Fair Migration Agenda. Since its launch, the FRI has been critical to ILO’s work in the area of national and international recruitment of workers and has added renewed impetus and visibility to this important topic. Through the implementation of the first phase of the strategy between 2014-2019, the role of ILO and its constituents has expanded and the development of additional knowledge, tools and guidance has contributed to advancing the international debate on this subject.

Building on the achievements and lessons of its two previous phases, the Fair Recruitment Initiative Strategy 2026–2030 (Phase III) sets a clear path forward: moving from principles and guidance to practical implementation and enforcement, to make fair recruitment a reality for all workers, across all sectors and countries, within and across borders. The new strategy was conceived as an inclusive process, reflecting evidence and data collected across countries, key migration corridors and high-risk sectors to ensure targeted interventions that tackle emerging challenges.

Our Vision

The Initiative's vision is to ensure that national and cross-border recruitment practices are based on labor standards, developed through social dialogue, and guarantee gender equality.

In short, these practices:

are transparent and effectively regulated, monitored, and enforced
protect the rights of all workers, including fundamental principles and rights at work, and prevent human trafficking and forced labor
inform and respond effectively to employment policies and labor market needs, including those related to recovery and resilience.

Our strategy

Result area 1: Knowledge, data, practical tools and measurement criteria to support evidence-based policies and practices
Result area 2: Supporting law and policy reforms and their effective enforcement
Result area 3: Promoting and supporting the implementation of fair business practices
Result area 4: Enhancing workers protection, organization and empowerment

More information

Fair Recruitment Initiative Strategy 2026-2030: The way forward, from policy to practice | International Labour Organization

Celebrating 10 years of progress 2014-2024

Since its inception in 2014, the Fair Recruitment Initiative has remained pivotal to the ILO’s efforts in ensuring fair recruitment of workers at the national and international level, bringing renewed focus and visibility to this crucial issue. By implementing fair recruitment practices, we create opportunities for decent work for all individuals, promoting social justice and breaking down barriers to equality in the world of work.