On 19 June 1997, the International Labour Conference adopts the Private Employment Agencies Convention (C181) — the ILO instrument regulating placement agencies and banning unlawful fees on workers.

The Convention replaces the 1933 Fee-Charging Employment Agencies Convention and allows licensed private agencies, with protection against discrimination and abuse, including for migrants.

Parties must ensure agencies do not charge improper fees to workers and cooperate with public employment services. Entry into force: 10 May 2000.

C181 responds to 1990s labour-market liberalisation and the risks of exploitation through intermediaries.

For labour law, 19 June 1997 marks the regulated recognition of private employment agencies.

The official text is published by the ILO on NORMLEX.

Convention C181 of 19 June 1997 remains the ILO standard for private employment agencies.

Image: ILO headquarters Geneva; Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to 16:9.

Source consulted: Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997. Treaty text: C181 — Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (ILO).