Who we are
The Indian Overseas Recruitment Association (IORA) is being developed as an independent industry association initiative to encourage good practice, good governance and ethical recruitment across India's overseas employment ecosystem.
IORA is an independent initiative and does not claim to be affiliated with, authorised by or endorsed by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Protector General of Emigrants or any government authority.
Our purpose
India's overseas recruitment ecosystem connects employers and opportunities across borders with the aspirations of millions of people. Its credibility depends on lawful processes, capable professionals, transparent employment terms and safeguards that protect workers from deception and exploitation.
IORA's proposed role is to organise responsible industry voices, promote shared standards, support members with knowledge and tools, and engage constructively with policymakers and stakeholders. It aims to strengthen the sector while keeping safe and dignified migration at the heart of the conversation.
Worker preparation and information · Illustrative image
Mission & vision
To unite and strengthen responsible overseas recruitment organisations; advance ethical practices and professional standards; facilitate constructive policy dialogue; and promote a migration ecosystem where every worker can make an informed choice, travel through lawful channels and be treated with dignity.
An overseas recruitment industry from India that is trusted globally for integrity, competence and accountability — where ethical recruitment is the norm, workers' rights are respected, responsible businesses can thrive and migration is safe, orderly and beneficial to all.
Motto
For safe, orderly and ethical migration.
This motto expresses the standard IORA seeks to advance: responsible recruitment at the point of hiring, sound governance within recruitment organisations, transparent relationships across borders and respect for the people whose lives are shaped by migration.
The IORA Manifesto
A proposed framework for the culture and conduct we want to build across the overseas recruitment profession.
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01
Promote recruitment through appropriately authorised entities and transparent, traceable processes. Encourage every participant to understand and meet applicable legal obligations.
02
Support informed consent, truthful job information, fair treatment, safe migration and access to effective grievance channels throughout the employment journey.
03
Advocate written contracts that workers can understand, with clear information on role, wages, working hours, accommodation, deductions, insurance and dispute mechanisms.
04
Promote the employer-pays principle and work towards recruitment models that do not shift improper or exploitative recruitment costs onto workers, consistent with applicable law and agreed standards.
05
Encourage training, digital records, responsible due diligence, data protection, transparent operations and a culture of continuous compliance.
06
Represent industry concerns through research, consultation and practical policy recommendations — while recognising the importance of public oversight and worker protection.
07
Develop member commitments, ethical guidance and proportionate processes for handling concerns. Membership must represent responsibility, not immunity from scrutiny.
08
Encourage responsible employer relationships and cooperation across origin and destination countries to support safe, orderly and regular migration.
Our values in action
Promote lawful, honest and responsible recruitment. Reject deception, document manipulation, contract substitution, exploitation and unauthorised intermediaries.
Treat every migrant worker as a rights-holder and a person — not merely a placement. Respect informed choice, safety, fair treatment and access to remedy.
Encourage clear job terms, understandable contracts, transparent charges and truthful communication before a worker makes a decision.
Support responsible recruiting organisations through shared codes, capability building, compliance awareness and continuous improvement.
Build a culture in which commitments are documented, concerns are heard, misconduct is addressed and members are answerable to common standards.
Create constructive engagement among recruiting agents, employers, workers, training institutions, civil society and relevant public authorities.
Partnership and cooperation · Illustrative image
IORA's mission and manifesto are intended as a foundation for consultation with founding members and stakeholders. Join the conversation and help translate these principles into practical action.