Compensating Migrant Workers in Thailand and Reducing Risk of Debt Bondage

In October 2016, Electronics Watch and affiliates received intelligence from the Migrant Workers Rights Network (MWRN) that migrant workers from Myanmar at an electronics factory in Thailand were having their passports and other identity documents withheld and charged unlawful and extortionate recruitment fees. The risk of forced labour or debt bondage is high in such situations.

Electronics Watch and its affiliates worked with a brand that is a customer of the factory to implement a remediation plan.

Soon thereafter MWRN reported passports and work permits were returned to the migrant workers and compensations for illegitimate fees and wage deductions had begun. However, in April and May 2017 workers again reported excessive recruitment fees.

Electronics Watch then conducted in depth research on the path of foreign migrant worker recruitment, documenting the costs and time of each step, as well as violations of law and codes of conduct, and found continued significant risk of debt bondage and forced labour. Electronics Watch is now working with industry to address the root causes of unethical recruitment practices.