The Employer Pays Principle

The Employer Pays Principle is an employer commitment to pay the full costs associated with recruitment.

The issue of recruitment fees is widespread globally, particularly for low wage migrant workers who are frequently expected to pay fees to agencies and brokers for recruitment to jobs abroad. These fees may cover a variety of costs including: the recruitment itself, travel, visa and administrative costs and other unspecified fees and service charges.

Adoption of the Employer Pays Principle across all industries is fundamental to combatting exploitation, forced labour, and trafficking of migrant workers in global supply chains and represents an important step in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal of decent work for all.

The Principle is increasingly being adopted by companies across a range of industry sectors and locations. It is endorsed by the Leadership Group for Responsible Recruitment, a collaboration between leading companies and expert organisations driving positive change in the way that migrant workers are recruited.

Reflecting Principle 1 of the Dhaka Principles for Migration with Dignity, the Employer Pays Principle is a commitment to ensure that no worker should pay for a job.

Our short guide breaks down the six steps every company should take to know and show they are meeting the commitment in practice.