Fees & Payments

Start with a written breakdown

Do not treat an advertised figure or a verbal quote as a complete explanation of recruitment costs. Ask for an itemised written breakdown for the specific opportunity before agreeing to a payment.

The breakdown should explain what each amount is for, who is responsible for paying it, the intended recipient, when it is due and whether any third-party charges are involved. A listed cost is not, by itself, confirmation that it may be charged to a candidate.

• Ask which costs are covered by the employer and which, if any, you are being asked to pay.
• Ask for the basis of any candidate payment request and how it relates to the applicable rules.
• Request written clarification of deductions, optional services and changes to an earlier quote.

Check responsibility for recruitment costs

The International Labour Organization’s fair recruitment guidance states that workers should not bear recruitment fees or related costs, directly or indirectly. This is an international fair recruitment principle; it is not a fee quotation or a statement of a specific country’s legal requirements.

This page does not set a standard fee, approve a payment request or replace the rules that apply to your recruitment route. Ask for clarification of the relevant requirements and do not proceed with an unexplained charge.

Verify the payment request and keep a receipt

Confirm any payment instruction directly with FM Associates using contact details obtained independently from this website. Check the recipient name, payment purpose, amount and reference before transferring funds. Do not rely only on a forwarded message or a caller’s claim of authority.

• Pause if you are asked to pay an unfamiliar personal account or an unconfirmed intermediary.
• Ask for a dated receipt identifying the recipient, amount, purpose and application reference.
• Keep the written instruction, receipt and transaction record together.
• Never share a banking password, PIN or one-time verification code to complete a recruitment enquiry.

Changes, cancellations and payment concerns

Before paying, ask what happens if the application is delayed, the employer changes the offer, an approval is refused or you decide not to continue. Request any cancellation, refund and third-party cost terms in writing. Do not assume a refund amount or processing time unless it has been confirmed.

If an amount differs from the explanation you received, stop further payments and contact our team. State the role, destination, amount, date and reason for the concern. Keep your original records and ask how supporting evidence should be supplied securely.