The void in local legislation that promotes the enforcement of zero-recruitment fees seems to be indicative of the government’s disregard for recommendations reiterated in the past four Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Reports.

A government source had confirmed that there was no legislation, policy or even directive to enforce the zero-recruitment cost as part of the state’s effort to address debt bondage, exploitation and forced labour of migrant workers.

The initiative could not be implemented without legislation or even a circular, explained the source, pointing out a loophole that instead perpetuates exploitation.

The 2021 TIP report listed 14 prioritised recommendations to the government, of which many were repetitions from previous reports.

Among them was for...