Combating human trafficking through ethical recruitment practices

The importance of promoting ethical recruitment practices, preventing trafficking in persons and strengthening the protection of workers against exploitation and abuse was highlighted during a sensitisation workshop for licensed private recruitment agencies held, today, at the InterContinental Resort Mauritius in Balaclava. An Application Information Desk, with a dedicated telephone line (214 3700) and e-mail address ([email protected]), was also launched on the occasion.

The workshop, organised by the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), aimed to familiarise recruitment agencies with their legal obligations and responsibilities in ensuring safe, transparent and lawful recruitment practices.

The Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations, Mr Muhammad Reza Cassam Uteem; the IOM Chief of Mission for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Alia Hirji; as well as other personalities were present at the opening ceremony.

In his address, Minister Uteem emphasised that recruitment agencies have a crucial responsibility in safeguarding the rights and welfare of both Mauritian workers seeking employment abroad and foreign workers recruited to work in Mauritius. Recruitment agencies, he highlighted, must ensure that workers are adequately informed of their employment conditions, provided with contracts in a language they understand and equipped with the necessary skills for their respective jobs. According to him, the agencies must also see to it that workers are properly accommodated and treated fairly by employers.

The Minister also underlined measures introduced to simplify foreign labour recruitment procedures while strengthening regulatory oversight. As at 30 October 2026, Mauritius counted 51,157 foreign workers holding work permits, excluding occupation permit holders, he indicated.

Referring to the risks associated with irregular employment, Mr Uteem dwelt on the need to combat the exploitation of undocumented migrant workers, who are particularly vulnerable to trafficking in persons.

For her part, Ms Hirji pointed out that ethical recruitment constitutes a fundamental safeguard against exploitation. She also underscored the importance of providing migrant workers with accurate information on employment opportunities, remuneration and available support mechanisms before departure and upon arrival.

Ms Hirji further reiterated the IOM's commitment to working with Mauritian authorities to strengthen migration governance, promote responsible recruitment and ensure the protection of migrant workers' rights.