Integrity in Foreign Employment: An Analysis of Corruption Risks in Recruitment

Abstract

Remittances from foreign labour constitutes the second largest source of foreign exchange in the country. To ensure a safe and decent working environment for labour migrants, the government has adopted a sound policy framework within the Bureau of Foreign Employment in keeping with the ILO guidelines. This framework allows for the regulation and supervision of recruitment procedures according to prescribed standards and procedures. Despite these measures, corruption, malpractices and exploitation of workers is rampant, with illegal and unauthorized recruitment agencies being at the forefront of these abuses. This study was undertaken to support the efforts already made to ensure safe working conditions for migrants, bringing to light any shortcomings in the process.