Overview

This session will examine how businesses, industry initiatives, and policymakers can advance transparency in recruitment fees under Japan's new Migrant Workers Act, which will take effect in 2027. Through practical examples from JP-MIRAI's Fair and Ethical Recruitment Initiative (FERI) and The Consumer Goods Forum's guidance developed through collaboration among companies committed to respecting Human Rights, speakers will explore both progress and persistent implementation challenges. Particular attention will be given to recruitment-fee debt, risks of forced labor, the role of companies in improving disclosure, and challenges faced by SMEs. The session will also highlight emerging collaborative approaches that strengthen rights-respecting recruitment systems and resilient supply chains while encouraging dialogue among stakeholders on effective implementation strategies.

Why it matters

Migrant workers entering Japan incur recruitment-related debts, creating risks of forced labor. Japan's new Migrant Workers Act introduces greater transparency requirements for recruitment fees, but implementation remains uncertain. Sharing experiences and ensuring engagement of both employers and recruitment agencies are therefore critical. Improved fee transparency helps protect migrant workers' rights, support responsible business conduct, and build resilient and sustainable supply chains.

Who should attend?

• Large companies and SMEs employing or sourcing migrant workers

• Recruitment and employment agencies

• Government and regulatory authorities

• Civil society organizations and international organizations

• National human rights institutions

• Worker representatives and migrant worker support organizations

• Researchers and practitioners working on responsible recruitment, labor migration, and supply chain due diligence

• The primary target audience is business practitioners—particularly large companies, SMEs, and supply chain leaders—seeking practical approaches to responsible recruitment and compliance with emerging regulatory expectations. The session will also be highly relevant for policymakers, recruitment agencies, and other stakeholders involved in protecting migrant workers' rights.

What participants will gain

• Practical lessons from employer-led efforts to improve recruitment-fee transparency and advance zero-fee recruitment.

• A clearer understanding of Japan's new Migrant Workers Act and related implementation challenges.

• Insights into how recruitment-fee debt can contribute to forced labor risks and how companies can address these risks.

• Examples of collaborative tools and multi-stakeholder approaches that promote ethical recruitment and resilient supply chains.