Beijing – IOM, the UN Migration Agency, and the China International Contractors’ Association (CHINCA) this week organized a workshop for 36 Chinese recruitment agencies on pre-departure orientation best practices for Chinese workers going to Europe.

The two-day event, which targeted recruitment agencies from various Chinese provinces, was facilitated by migration experts from IOM and International Labour Organization, together with labour migration experts from Finland, Italy and Sweden. An official from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce also took part.

The aim of the workshop, which was part of the EU-China Dialogue on Migration and Mobility Support Project funded by the European Union Partnership Instrument, was to facilitate safe labour migration from China to Europe through an exchange of best practices, with special emphasis on the role of recruitment agencies and pre-departure orientation.

Participants discussed recent developments in labour migration from China to Europe, new international regulations, and IOM’s International Recruitment Integrity System (IRIS).

“Providing adequate information on the European Union and its Member States to the increasing numbers of Chinese workers seeking employment in Europe is an important aspect in reducing the risks of exploitation and abuse, both at home and overseas,” said Marcien Grabiec, Counsellor at the EU Delegation to China.

CHINCA Vice-Chairman Wang He told participants that CHINCA will improve its cooperation with all stakeholders in international exchange and cooperation to promote orderly, safe and regular labour migration flows.

IOM China also used the workshop to pre-launch its free information platform (WeChat application entitled: 赴欧贴士). This application is designed to equip Chinese migrants moving to Europe (focusing on Austria, Italy and Germany) with useful information, including the visa process and key aspects of living and working in Europe. The WeChat function will be launched in the coming months and will be accessible via the IOM China Official WeChat account (Username: IOMCHINA).

For more information, please contact Etienne Micallef, IOM China, Email: emicallef@iom.int