Promising practices for fair recruitment in Hong Kong (China): Promoting fair recruitment of domestic workers: Behavioural insights to encourage employer due diligence

This promising practice presents the findings from a behavioural research study conducted as part of the ILO’s FAIR III project, which aims to promote fair recruitment. 
 

In Hong Kong, despite the 2017 Code of Practice for Employment Agencies, unfair and illegal recruitment practices persist. Employers play a critical role in shaping recruitment outcomes, yet many remain unaware of their responsibilities or the risks involved. This research explored how behavioral science (the study of how individuals make decisions and respond to various influences) can be applied to encourage employer due diligence and support fair recruitment. 
 

Through qualitative interviews, a randomized-controlled trial and the development of an innovative online game, the study tested different message framings to influence employer behaviour. The findings provide practical recommendations to strengthen policies, interventions, and outreach strategies so as to better protect migrant domestic workers and promote fair recruitment practices in Hong Kong.