IRIS Roll-Out

The roll-out of IRIS is done through pilot projects in selected countries. This includes testing the different components of the IRIS programme in a phased approach.  

Phase one focused on testing the IRIS Standard to ensure it is fit for purpose in different geographical, jurisdictional and sectoral contexts. The Standard was tested against the needs of recruiters and employers and subsequently mainstreamed through industry associations, business initiatives, supply chain codes of conduct, national, bilateral and regional legal frameworks, and multi-stakeholder standards. This roll-out phase started in 2017 in South and Southeast Asia. 

Phase two began in 2018 and focused on testing the IRIS audit and certification framework. In partnership with Social Accountability Accreditation Services (SAAS) and the social auditing community, IOM tested the feasibility and applicability of different components of the framework.  

Phase three focuses on roll-out of the IRIS Capacity Building Programme to provide technical support to labour recruiters, employers and government entities to align their policies, management systems and practices with international recruitment standards. This phase began with the launch of the training programme in South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa and North America in 2018.