Abstract

Focusing primarily on Bangladesh, Jordan and Lebanon, the study draws on 126 interviews conducted with key stakeholders, to analyse the recruitment ‘business model’ utilised by private employment agencies specialising on the domestic work sector.
Globally, the international recruitment industry is composed of an increasingly complex web of actors. In order to profit, private employment agencies must devise competitive strategies to generate income greater than the costs of selecting, processing and mobilising people into jobs. Such business models are dynamic and responsive to changes in market demands and skills’ availability.
The study also assesses the influence of national laws, policies and regulations on how private employment agencies conduct their business. By illuminating the factors that guide the actions of private employment agencies, the study aims to inform better policies and interventions to protect migrant domestic workers and eliminate abusive practices.