We believe forced labor is a solvable world problem
Globally, 27.6 million people are trapped in forced labor (Walk Free 2023), with debt bondage identified as a leading cause.
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Migrant workers are especially vulnerable to forced labor conditions because the migration process is complex and there are many intermediaries involved. This fragmentation gives way to abusive practices and financial exploitation. Many recruitment agencies and training centers charge workers excessive and/or illegal fees. Workers get into debt to pay these fees, leaving them trapped in jobs with often poor working conditions that they are unable to leave.
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However, we, at Fair, believe forced labor is solvable! We drive change by setting the industry standard for responsible recruitment and high quality worker training. Our work realigns market incentives to enable greater accountability and transparency, benefiting both workers and employers.
Fair's mission is to build market-driven solutions to end forced labor and to create better outcomes for both workers and employers across Asia.
​Since 2014, we have been creating solutions to prevent forced labor situations and facilitate inclusive, fair, and competitive local labor markets across the Asia region. Solutions we have incubated include:
Fair Employment Agency is a licensed employment agency and nonprofit social enterprise that is driving industry standards for hiring migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong.
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Because Fair Employment Agency does not charge fees to workers, its solefocus is on making high-quality, responsible matches between employers and workers. By providing the best employment agency services, it influences others to adopt ethical recruitment practices.
Fair Training Center is a non-profit in the Philippines preparing migrant workers for life and work overseas. Our program is deemed the gold standard for worker training by the International Labour Organisation in the Philippines. We cover practical topics, including:
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Financial literacy and planning in order to reach your personal goals of migration
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Professionalism; Communicating and working well with employers
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Rights education and understanding your employment contract
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Adapting to a new environment and culture
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Dealing with difficult situations and homesickness
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Parenting and managing family relationships from abroad
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Through Honest Jobs, we fund, support, and mentor mission-aligned employment agencies. This way, we replicate Fair's ethical recruitment approach and accelerate the growth of like-minded enterprises that are best positioned to make an impact in their local context. This also creates a network of ethical recruitment solutions that work together in close partnership to drive market change across Asia.