Shocking Report Reveals Extent of Illegal Recruitment Fees Paid by Seafarers

An eye-opening new study by the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) has revealed a disturbing trend in the maritime industry: nearly one-third of seafarers are being coerced into paying illegal recruitment fees to secure jobs on merchant vessels.

This practice, explicitly prohibited by the Maritime Labour Convention, continues to plague the industry, with 28% of reported cases occurring in 2024 alone.

The financial burden on seafarers is staggering. Almost half of those charged fees paid between $500 and $5,000, with some reporting fees exceeding $10,000, according to the research. These exorbitant costs are pushing many workers into debt, creating conditions akin to modern slavery and compromising safety aboard ships.

One Indian ship’s Master attested to the widespread nature of the problem, stating, “I have encountered numerous seafarers who have informed they were asked to pay fees to an agent to secure a job onboard ship.”

The mental health toll of this practice is equally alarming. Nearly three-quarters of seafarers reported that recruitment fee requests negatively impacted their mental well-being. Despite the illegality of these fees, 74% of those asked complied, likely feeling they had no alternative.

Perhaps most concerning is the lack of reporting: a staggering 80% of seafarers who were asked to pay illegal recruitment fees did not report the incidents to authorities. Many were unaware that this practice violates international law, highlighting a critical gap in education and enforcement.

This Research Briefing, a collaborative effort by IHRB and TURTLE, offers crucial recommendations for shipping companies, cargo owners, and government agencies to combat this corrupt and illegal practice.

As the maritime industry grapples with this ethical crisis, immediate action is needed to protect the rights and dignity of seafarers worldwide.

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