Experts in the fishing sector have adopted new Guidelines for Fair Labour Market Services for Migrant Fishers, the first ever Guidelines aimed to promote fairness, transparency and accountability in the recruitment of migrant fishers worldwide, on 31 October, and their adoption marks a significant step in the International Labour Organization (ILO)’s ongoing efforts to promote decent work and strengthen protection for all fishers.

The new Guidelines were agreed upon following five days of tripartite discussions at the ILO between 27 to 31 October 2025. Representatives of governments, fishing vessel owners’ and fishers’ organizations worked together to develop practical guidance supporting decent work and fair recruitment in the fishing sector. The Guidelines complement the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188), which sets minimum standards on living and working conditions for fishers.

“These Guidelines will inspire and support governments, employers and workers to implement policies and take actions that foster fair labour market services for migrant fishers and enhance the protection of this vulnerable workforce,” said Julie Carlton, Chairperson of the meeting.

“This meeting has shown that effective tripartite dialogue can deliver practical tools to strengthen protection and accountability throughout recruitment systems,” said Frank Hagemann, Director of the ILO’s Sectoral Policies Department (SECTOR). “These Guidelines provide a timely and concrete response at a time when solidarity with migrant workers is increasingly under pressure, sending a strong and positive signal to the world.”

The Guidelines propose practical measures such as a clear distribution of responsibilities among stakeholders, liability mechanisms, and financial security in cases of abandonment, rules for transfer at sea and shore leave, model agreements for fishers and recruiters, safeguards against deception, and accessible complaint mechanisms in all States. They also promote cross-border cooperation among authorities to strengthen accountability and address abuses throughout the recruitment chain.

The Workers’ Group emphasized that the new instrument is not only a milestone for migrant fishers but also a practical framework to promote fair recruitment and safeguard rights across the supply chain. “Fishing remains one of the most challenging and least regulated industries in the world of work,” said Johnny Hansen, Vice-Chair of the Workers’ Group. “These Guidelines give us a real opportunity to change that by ensuring that recruitment is fair, that rights are respected, and that fishers everywhere can work with dignity and safety.”

The Employers’ Group highlighted the spirit of collaboration that guided the discussions and the value of open, constructive dialogue between social partners. “Employers are firmly committed to fair recruitment and decent working conditions. These Guidelines are a step forward in providing clear and balanced tools that help all actors meet their responsibilities” said Cor Blonk, Vice-Chair of the Employers’ Group.

For governments, the adoption represents an important step toward stronger oversight and international cooperation. “These Guidelines provide a collaborative framework for governments, employers and workers to ensure that recruitment and employment practices are both lawful and humane,” said Shaun Rogers, Vice-Chair of the Governments’ Group.