Information on Safe Migration
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revealing her personal potential, professionally
assisting in the realization of civil and social rights
Foreign employer is not returning the passport: what to do and how to ensure safe work abroad
The first thing to always remember is that your passport is your most important document, and no matter what country you are in, you should never give it to anyone. You can present it upon request, but after that, your passport must be returned to you. For example, your passport may be required when applying for a job, but in this case, it should be returned to you on the same day.
Often, it is after the employer takes away the passport that people who go to other countries to earn money fall into labor slavery. To avoid such situations, a person who goes to work abroad should have copies of all important documents, insurance, and a small financial cushion with them. And of course, do not give away your passport.
An employer's seizure of a document that identifies your identity is an offense. The employer may only keep the employee's work record; the seizure of a passport is illegal under any pretext. But what to do if this still happens?
First, we advise trying to resolve the conflict peacefully. To do this, you need to write a statement to the employer requesting the return of the passport in two copies. Let's consider such a situation using the example of Russia. To have proof that the employer received your statement, you can send it by registered mail with notification of delivery and an inventory of the contents. The statement should indicate the date of seizure of the passport, as well as refer to Article 19.17 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (Illegal seizure of a document identifying a citizen's identity (passport) or acceptance of a document identifying a citizen's identity (passport) as collateral).
If this does not help to get the passport back, then you should contact the police in the country where you are. There you will receive a certificate of loss of passport. Then, together with this certificate, photographs, and any documents that confirm your identity, you should contact the consulate. Read more in our article «What to do if your passport is stolen abroad?»
How can Belarusians safely find work abroad?
The safest way for Belarusians to find work abroad is through licensees. Licensees are legal entities or individual entrepreneurs who have a special permit for activities related to the employment of Belarusians abroad. You can view the list of licensees at this link on the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus. Most licensees provide paid employment services.
A company from the list of licensees is obliged to conclude an agreement with you on assistance in employment (in writing in two copies, one for you), which will serve as the basis for payment. It must clearly stipulate the obligations of the parties. After paying the licensee for the employment service, be sure to keep the payment document. This will enable you to recover material costs if necessary.
Read the service agreement carefully and sign it only if you are satisfied with everything. Do not confuse the agreement with the licensee and the employment contract with the employer. In the first case, you are ordering a service, and in the second, you are getting a job with a future employer outside Belarus.
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