Practices by Stakeholder 4

Data and databases on migrant workers

Employers, recruiters, and placement agencies in States of origin often collect data and keep databases on employees, including on employees deployed to other States. Employers in host States also collect data and keep databases on employees, including migrant workers. Much of this information is collected in the ordinary course of business activities, such as hiring, payroll services, and workplace insurance schemes. In the context of these data-collection activities, employers, recruiters, and placement agencies can gather information and documents helpful for protecting migrants. This could include:

• Biographic information, such as name, date of birth, nationality, and gender of accompanying family members;
• Identity and travel documents and visa information, including State of origin, host State, nationality, and expiration dates;
• Place of residence in host State;
• Contact information, including telephone numbers and email addresses of the employee and accompanying family members, and emergency contacts in the State of origin and host State;
• Electronic backup of documents, particularly identity documents.