amfori builds practical expertise on responsible recruitment and labour migration

Forced labour and unethical labour migration remain among the most complex and high impact risks in global supply chains. At the same time, expectations by investors, buyers, regulators and civil society on how companies manage these risks are rising rapidly.

For amfori members and business partners, this means that having the right knowledge and internal expertise on those issues is becoming a necessity.

Why this topic is relevant now

This focus is reinforced by recent EU developments, including the adoption of the EU Forced Labour Regulation, which (as from December 2027) will prohibit products made with forced labour, at any point in the supply chain, from being placed on the EU market or exported from the EU. The regulation significantly raises the need for companies to conduct effective risk identification, prevention, and due diligence practices across their supply chains.

Beyond regulation, buyer expectations are also evolving. Companies are increasingly expected to:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of recruitment and labour migration risks
• Show evidence of internal expertise and trained teams
• Make consistent, well-informed decisions in complex operational contexts

Therefore, forced labour and responsible recruitment continue to be key advocacy priorities for amfori this year. This is reflected in our advocacy efforts and capacity building activities. In this environment, building professional knowledge and practical skills is essential to maintain credibility, manage risk, and strengthen long-term business resilience.

From awareness to expertise

While awareness of forced labour risks has grown in recent years, many companies still struggle to translate expectations into day-to-day decisions. Challenges often include building internal expertise across teams and locations and navigating complex labour migration corridors – particularly in Southeast Asia.

To close this gap, amfori Academy is launching a new eLearning “Labour Migration Risk and Due Diligence in Malaysia and Thailand”, developed in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The training is designed to build practical expertise and professional confidence.

New eLearning: Forced labour and labour migration

This elearning supports members and business partners in developing hands-on knowledge and decision-making skills related to responsible recruitment and labour migration.

Who is it for?

• amfori members and business partners
• Employers working with migrant workers, particularly in Southeast Asia

What participants will learn

• How to manage the recruitment, deployment, and return of migrant workers responsibly
• How to identify and prevent forced labour risks linked to recruitment and employment practices
• How to apply real life scenarios and decision-making guidance aligned with workers’ rights
• How responsible recruitment supports compliance, credibility, and long-term business resilience

By working through realistic cases, the training helps professionals strengthen judgement, consistency, and confidence when managing sensitive labour related issues. This will enable organisations to move from reactive compliance to capability driven risk management.

Part of amfori’s capacity building approach

This eLearning forms part of amfori’s broader capacity building offer, providing free, flexible, and practical learning opportunities. Delivered online, these trainings support flexible, self-paced learning. They help build skills, apply knowledge in practice, and strengthen long-term organisational resilience. Have a look at the amfori Academy offer of eLearning and trainings here.