The Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB), with support from The Seafarers’ Charity and partners, is taking action to end the illegal practice of recruitment fees. By empowering seafarers, reforming industry standards, and advocating for stronger laws, IHRB is working to create a fairer future for those who keep global trade moving.
We speak to the international non-profit looking to tackle the illegal practice of seafarers being charged recruitment fees.
Imagine you are a seafarer. You have just secured a contract to serve onboard a merchant ship, earning wages and supporting your family. But before you can set sail, there's a problem. You’re told you must pay thousands of dollars in “recruitment fees” to secure the role. With little savings, you borrow from a local lender at punishing interest rates.
Now instead of excitement for the contract ahead, you’re boarding the ship weighed down by fears of debt spiralling out of control or your family being threatened by creditors back home.
Sadly, this story is one the team at The Institute for Human Rights and Business don’t need to imagine.
Founded in 2009, IHRB is an international non-profit dedicated to embedding respect for human rights in business practices. Over the past 15 years, their team has advocated the ‘Employer Pays’ principle; a simple but vital concept that workers should never pay any sort of fees to secure employment.
Now, thanks to a grant from The Seafarers’ Charity, together with ITF Seafarers Trust and TK Foundation, IHRB is turning its attention to tackling the practice of illegal recruitment fees charged to seafarers.
A Three-Pronged Approach
The practice of charging a recruitment fee is expressly prohibited in the Maritime Labour Convention (2006) to prevent debt bondage, forced labour and exploitation of seafarers. However, it is widespread in many labour supply countries, and often fees run to many thousands of US dollars. Recent research from IHRB showed that almost three quarters of those paying a fee to secure employment said the resultant debt had impacted their mental health.
IHRB wants to change the status quo.
“We can only tackle this issue by working at every level. Empowering seafarers, holding companies to account, and pushing governments to strengthen laws,” Frances House, Senior Advisor for Special Programmes at IHRB, told us.
In Tamil Nadu, one of India’s largest seafarer-sending regions, IHRB is working with Mission to Seafarers, ITF Seafarers’ Trust, and local partners to deliver workshops. These sessions will raise awareness of seafarers' rights under the Maritime Labour Convention, highlight the dangers of debt, and connect seafarers with grievance mechanisms. Those who attend are then better informed and able to share knowledge with other seafarers in their local community.
Meanwhile, through its Responsible Recruitment Action Group, IHRB convenes major ship owners, operators, charterers, and cargo companies. The aim is to embed “no recruitment fee” clauses in contracts and strengthen due diligence with crewing agencies. This not only protects seafarers but also protects companies from the growing legal and reputational risks associated with being part of a supply chain that relies – at any point – on victims of modern slavery.
IHRB is also advocating for tougher legislation in key seafarer-sending nations such as India and the Philippines. By pressing for robust enforcement, reimbursement schemes, and level playing fields across the industry, they’re hoping to end the ‘race to the bottom’ in recruitment practices.
“When there is a high level of corruption… you have to pay to have a job and be able to provide for your family.” - 3rd Officer, Ukraine
“Despite being the best cadet, I’ve been unable to get onboard for the past 1.5 years due to my refusal to pay these illegal fees.” - Deck Cadet, Pakistan
Source: IHRB
Building Momentum
IHRB’s programme is gaining traction. In October 2025, new workshops will take place in India and in November, IHRB’s annual ‘SeaFAIRER’ event in Singapore will bring seafarers with lived experience face-to-face with senior shipping executives—a powerful way to make decision-makers confront the human cost of illegal fees. In early 2026, a similar event is planned in Dubai.
Our multi-year grant will pay for IHRB salaries and core costs, travel for events and on the ground action in Singapore, Manila, Mumbai, Tuticorin, Norway and more.
Frances adds: “With support from our funders, we’re building the momentum needed to protect seafarers from falling into debt and exploitation.”
A Fairer Future for Seafarers
By combining grassroots empowerment, industry reform, and global advocacy, IHRB is tackling the illegal recruitment fee system that has exploited generations of seafarers. Their work has the potential to create a fairer future where no seafarer has to pay to work at sea.
