OTL News

TFHI's On The Level Certification Program for recruitment and labor agencies marks a significant milestone in promoting ethical recruitment practices among Private Recruitment and Employment Agencies (PREAs).

Bangkok, Thailand - On May 10, 2022, TFHI, The Fair Hiring Initiative (TFHI) hosted an induction ceremony awarding OTL Certification to Alpha World Link and International Focus, two recruitment agencies from Myanmar that enrolled in the OTL program in 2019. These agencies' attainment of the OTL Certification for the Myanmar to Thailand corridor demonstrates their commitment to ethical recruitment practices and also serves as a testament to their resilience in overcoming the challenges of a global pandemic and political disruptions.

The significance of the OTL certification program extends beyond individual agencies. It plays a vital role in raising awareness of ethical recruitment practices within global supply chains. By mapping an easily accessible list of agencies that adhere to the employer pays principle and other  good practices, OTL helps migrant workers identify trustworthy agencies using a set of recruitment standards developed specifically to promote fair recruitment practices.

“We call on companies' decision makers to adopt and enforce this model and work only with labor suppliers who commit to meeting legal requirements and social standards, such as OTL standards,” said Daw Wint Wint Aung, Managing Director of Alpha World Link. 

Expanding on the same sentiment, U Nyi Lin Htet, Marketing Director of International Focus added, "It's important for the agencies to have the support of employers and for the employer to keep an open mind when negotiating service agreements."

These statements highlight the significance of collaboration between agencies and employers in order to establish practices that benefit all stakeholders, especially workers. By emphasizing the need for employer support,  the agencies underscore the importance of fostering a mutually beneficial relationship.