The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched two new guides to help businesses respond more effectively to grievances raised by migrant workers. The resources aim to make grievance systems fairer, more transparent, and centred on the rights and needs of workers.
"Migrant workers are the backbone of many industries, yet too often their concerns go unheard" said Ugochi Daniels, IOM Deputy Director General for Operations. "These tools give businesses the means to listen, respond and provide real solutions. We are helping companies create fairer workplaces and stronger economies".
Migrant workers play a vital role in many global industries, yet they are three times more likely to experience forced labour compared to non-migrants. Too often, their voices are overlooked when problems arise. Strengthening grievance systems is therefore critical, both to protect workers' rights and to help businesses build trust, reduce risks, and maintain sustainable supply chains.
"In an era of increasing legal and regulatory complexity, effective remediation is both a necessity and an opportunity" said Archana Kotecha, CEO and Founder of The Remedy Project. "Migrant workers are on the frontlines of global supply chains, yet their grievances are too often overlooked or mishandled. Through close collaboration between IOM, civil society, and the private sector, these resources offer businesses the clarity and confidence they need to act. They are designed to ensure that workers' voices are heard and respected, while enabling companies to manage risk responsibly and foster more resilient, rights-respecting workplaces."
The two guides were developed in partnership with The Remedy Project and shaped by consultations with private sector and civil society stakeholders. Together, they provide both a conceptual framework and practical guidance for companies to establish credible, transparent, and worker-centred remediation systems.
The Handbook outlines the principles and ecosystem of remedy, helping companies understand the key principles of remediation, and defines it as both a fair process and an effective outcome for workers. It stresses worker inclusion, safeguards against retaliation, and the importance of aligning company practices with international human rights standards.
The Operational Guidelines put these ideas into practice. They guide companies through a seven-step remediation process and offer model policies, safeguarding measures and practical tools to help companies and industry platforms set up strong, credible systems to resolve grievances.
