Seafarers and illegal recruitment fees
Seafarers and Illegal Recruitment Fees: 2024 Insights is a joint publication by IHRB, a leading global think tank focused on worker rights, and TURTLE.
This survey was co-created by IHRB and TURTLE with support from industry partners, including the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), ISWAN, and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).
The 2024 research reveals that nearly a third (31%) of seafarers have been asked to pay recruitment fees to secure jobs on merchant vessels, with 28% facing this issue in 2024, highlighting that the problem remains both widespread and current.
“I’ve always stood against such malpractices. 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
Almost half of those charged paid between $500 and $5,000, with some reporting fees over $10,000. This debt pushes many seafarers into modern slavery and is linked to unsafe working conditions on ships.
The study also highlights the mental health impacts of recruitment fees, with nearly 75% of seafarers stating that such demands affect their mental well-being.
Notably, 74% of those asked to pay a fee complied, likely feeling they had no other option. Alarmingly, 80% of seafarers who encountered illegal recruitment fees did not report these incidents to authorities, often unaware that the practice is illegal.
It is almost impossible for cadets to enter this industry without paying this huge amount in the name of a service charge in India. Electrician, India.
This Research Briefing from IHRB and TURTLE offers recommendations for shipping companies, cargo owners, and government agencies to eradicate this corrupt and illegal practice.
The findings are based on a survey conducted by TURTLE between May and July 2024, which received responses from 2,627 seafarers.
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