Code of Conduct for the Recruitment and Employment of Migrant Workers in Mauritius: For Employers in Export-Oriented Industries in Mauritius

Employers, including those in the export sector, often have recourse to migrant workers to fill labour gaps in Mauritius and rely on them to maintain their competitiveness. With a view to protecting the fundamental rights of migrant workers and enabling exporters to comply with the growing demand of key markets for ethical recruitment and employment, IOM has supported the Mauritius Export Association (MEXA) in the development of the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment and Employment of Migrant Workers in Mauritius.

The Code of Conduct aims to ensure fairer and more ethical recruitment and employment practices; support sustainable business development; and support export-oriented companies in Mauritius in their efforts to align their policies and operations with international standards of responsible business practices. This Code also seeks to apply international principles and standards in the context of Mauritius as per IOM’s IRIS initiative to promote ethical recruitment globally, ILO Fundamental Conventions, and ILO General Principles and Operational Guidelines for Fair Recruitment and Definition of Recruitment Fees and Related Costs.

The Code contains both Core and Operational Standards that will guide employers in the process of hiring and employment of migrant workers in Mauritius. It also provides criteria to differentiate between export enterprises in relation to their ability to comply with the Code.