Fair recruitment

Training with Pakistani workers’ organizations on fair recruitment to promote safe, orderly and regular migration

The ILO Global Action to Improve the Recruitment Framework of Labour Migration (REFRAME) project supports capacity building of workers’ organizations in Pakistan on the topic of fair recruitment to promote safe, orderly and regular migration.

The ILO Global Action to Improve the Recruitment Framework of Labour Migration (REFRAME) project has supported capacity building of workers’ organizations through a three-day training workshop in Lahore, Pakistan.

The training was attended by a group of 35 second line leaders (7 women and 28 men) of the Pakistan Workers Federation (PWF). The training aimed at creating a pool of trainers from high migration districts to deliver awareness raising sessions at the grassroots level to prospective/returned migrant workers. The training was facilitated by the REFRAME project with support from officials representing the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment; the Protectorate of Emigrant Office, Lahore; the Overseas Employment Corporation and the Migrant Resource Centre. Participants briefed each other on the scope, role and range of services offered by their respective organizations to protect prospective migrant workers against abusive recruitment practices. Many of the participants had witnessed unfair recruitment practices in and around their respective regions, but were unaware of the existing support mechanisms available to protect the labour and human rights of migrant workers.

Following the training, Pakistani Workers Federation District Offices have displayed ‘Resource Centre for Migrant Workers’ signboards, to highlight the resources and referral services that are available for prospective and returned migrant workers. The participants were also equipped with the contact details of the trained leader of their respective districts, and provided with comprehensive information, education and communication (IEC) material to distribute at awareness raising sessions and at the District Offices. Electronic versions of the IEC material will be distributed by the PWF through their website, social media and social messaging groups.

The training was highly appreciated by the participants, who valued the technical content, delivery methodology, levels of interaction and inclusiveness of the workshop.