Migrant workers play an essential role in many industries worldwide, yet they remain particularly vulnerable; in fact, they are three times more likely to be victims of forced labour than non-migrants. Effective and accessible grievance mechanisms help to protect workers’ rights, reduce business risks and ensure a more resilient and sustainable supply chain.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has released two new guides to help businesses respond more effectively to grievances raised by migrant workers. These tools aim to make grievance-handling systems fairer and more transparent by placing greater emphasis on the rights and needs of workers. Developed in collaboration with the Remedy Project, and following consultations with private sector and civil society stakeholders, the guides ensure that grievance systems are equitable, transparent and focused on workers’ needs. “Many industries rely on migrant workers, yet too often their concerns go unheard,” said Ugochi Daniels, IOM Deputy Director General for Operations. ‘These documents empower companies to listen, respond and provide tangible solutions. We are helping businesses to create fairer workplaces and stronger economies.”

Migrant workers play a vital role in many industrial sectors around the world. Yet they are three times more likely to be subjected to forced labour than non-migrant workers. All too often, their concerns are ignored when problems arise. Therefore, strengthening grievance mechanisms is essential to protect workers’ rights and help companies build trust and mitigate risks, and ensure sustainable supply chains. “In an era of increasingly complex legal and regulatory frameworks, finding effective solutions is both a necessity and an opportunity,” said Archana Kotecha, CEO and founder of The Remedy Project.

Migrant workers play a vital role in global supply chains, yet their concerns are often overlooked or not properly addressed. These resources, developed through close collaboration between the IOM, civil society and the private sector, provide companies with the clarity and confidence they need to take action. The resources are designed to ensure that workers’ voices are heard and respected, while enabling businesses to manage risks responsibly and foster more resilient workplaces that respect workers’ rights.

The Operational Guidelines for Businesses on Remediating Migrant Worker Grievances provide companies with a concrete framework for resolving disputes with migrant workers effectively. Developed in accordance with key international human rights and labour standards, the guidelines translate these principles into practical steps that can be taken. The resource package consists of two complementary parts, enabling users to focus on the aspects that best suit their needs. This document outlines the operational steps and practical measures that companies can implement to develop conflict resolution programmes and the accompanying policies.

This Handbook for Businesses on the Remediation of Migrant Worker Grievances sets out the theoretical and technical principles on which the proposed guidelines are based. Designed to promote social responsibility and labour governance within global supply chains, it is a comprehensive tool. It provides companies with a conceptual framework and practical guidance to help them implement reliable, transparent and worker-centred solutions.

The handbook outlines the principles of this problem-solving approach, explaining how it works and helping companies to grasp its key concepts. It presents the approach as a fair process that achieves effective outcomes for workers. Finally, it emphasises the importance of including workers, safeguarding against retaliation and ensuring that business practices align with international human rights standards.