Fair Recruitment: What You Should and Should Not Be Charged

Paying money to get a job abroad is common, and it is also the start of many of the worst situations migrant workers describe. Large fees lead to debt, and debt makes it hard to say no to bad conditions. This guide explains the principle that international guidance sets out, what it means for you, and how to ask questions without losing the opportunity.

The principle

The International Labour Organization (ILO) publishes guidance on fair recruitment. Its core principle is that workers should not be charged recruitment fees or related costs. The employer, not the worker, should bear them. The ILO also publishes a definition of what counts as a recruitment fee or related cost.

National laws are different. Some countries ban charging workers fees. Some allow limited fees. Some have rules that are not well enforced. So you cannot assume that what is asked is legal or illegal without checking with your own government's guidance. Our verify page lists where to look in each source country.

What counts as a fee or related cost

Money asked for in connection with getting a job can take many forms. Examples include: - Fees for finding or placing you. - Charges for interviews, trade tests or training that is required to get the job. - Costs for medical examinations, visas, work permits or travel that the employer or recruiter has asked you to cover. - "Service charges", "processing fees", "registration" or "security deposits". Names vary and are sometimes disguised, so look at what the money is for, not what it is called.

Questions to ask, in writing

• What is this payment for?
• Who is the money paid to, and is it a registered business account in the business's name?
• Will I receive a receipt with the company name and amount?
• Is it refundable, and under what conditions?
• Who is meant to pay for my visa, flight, medical test and return travel under my contract?
• If the answers are vague, or you are told not to put anything in writing, treat that as a warning.

Warning signs

• A request to pay a personal account or a mobile wallet.
• Pressure to decide today or lose the place.
• A guarantee of a visa or job. Nobody can guarantee a visa.
• A request for money before you have seen a written offer.
• A request to borrow money from the recruiter or a connected lender to cover costs.

Debt

Borrowing to pay fees can leave you owing money before you earn anything. Use our cost planner to add up every cost and see how many months of saving it takes to earn it back. If the number is very high, ask who is meant to pay, and whether the cost can be avoided.

What EMIGRATLY charges

EMIGRATLY has one published Initiation Fee, charged once your profile is complete. It is shown in US dollars with the tax that applies in your source country and the home-currency equivalent. It is separate from any visa, flight or medical cost, and the match-or-refund guarantee describes what happens if you are not matched. Check every recruiter the same way, including us. Our verify page shows how.

If you have already paid

• Keep receipts, bank records and messages.
• Write down the date, amount, who received it and what you were told it was for.
• Contact the licensing body in your country. Many accept complaints about unlawful charges.
• Contact your destination's labour authority or your embassy if the problem continues abroad.

This guide gives general information and is not legal advice.