The Business Model of Brokers in Bangladesh, Ghana, and Singapore: Lessons for Policy

Abstract

A top priority for governments and human rights organisations aiming to end trafficking, forced labour, and modern slavery in migration is to “break the business model” of brokers who are believed to be the main channel through which exploitation occurs. This research provides insights into hitherto unknown aspects of the structure and functioning of the migration industry. It also attempts to convey the advantages and disadvantages of migrating through a broker from the perspective of the migrant. This viewpoint shows how migrants’ understanding of the risks and success of such migration and the reliability of brokers is at variance with the dominant discourse which focuses on comparing working conditions against international standards of decent work.