Information on Safe Migration
We promote the role of women in society,
revealing her personal potential, professionally
assisting in the realization of civil and social rights
revealing her personal potential, professionally
assisting in the realization of civil and social rights
How to Recognize Human Trafficking: Signs of Exploitation
Working abroad opens up new opportunities, but it is also associated with risks of labor exploitation, violence, and abuse. To protect yourself in time, it is important to understand what circumstances may indicate a possible situation of human trafficking and increase the vulnerability of an immigrant worker.
One of the main risk factors is the source of job information. Offers posted on job sites, social networks, through recruitment or modeling agencies, as well as those received from acquaintances, are not always verified for accuracy. If you are promised a high salary without experience requirements, insist on an urgent departure, or evade paperwork, this is a serious reason to be wary. Many victims later say they were deceived about employment abroad. To reduce the risk, it is necessary to check the company in advance: whether the intermediary has a license, whether the employer exists officially, whether a written contract is offered, and whether a work visa is issued.
The next risk factor is lack of knowledge of the labor and migration legislation of the destination country. Unscrupulous intermediaries often convince people that they can work on a tourist visa or that documents will be issued after arrival. In practice, illegal status makes a person completely dependent on the employer. Threats of deportation, fines, or calls to the police are used as a way to exert pressure and control. Information about entry rules and employment should be obtained only from official sources, including consulates of the respective states.
A serious sign of exploitation is illegal employment without a work visa and work permit. A tourist or visitor visa does not provide the right to engage in work activities, and changing its status abroad is usually impossible. In such situations, the employer may withhold the passport, restrict freedom of movement, or refuse to pay wages. If your documents have been taken away or you are forced to work without pay, these are clear signs of a violation of your rights.
Equally dangerous is working without a written employment contract. The absence of an official agreement deprives you of the opportunity to protect your rights in case of non-payment of wages, workplace injury, or other violations. In addition, without a contract, it is impossible to legalize your stay in the country of employment.
Special attention is required for cases of sexual exploitation. Any form of coercion into sexual services, threats, or violence are grounds for seeking help. If a child has been harmed, it is necessary to immediately report this to the competent authorities and specialized services.
It is important to remember: the victim is not responsible for the crime committed against them. Human trafficking is based on deception, abuse of trust, and taking advantage of a person's vulnerable situation. Assistance to victims of human trafficking is provided free of charge and confidentially, including anonymously.
Passport taken away? Being threatened? Working without pay? Call us — we'll tell you how to protect yourself. It's not your fault. Help is available!
If you are faced with exploitation or are in doubt about your situation, call the «hotline for safe migration and combating human trafficking». Consultations are free, anonymous, and confidential.
Calls and written inquiries are temporarily not being accepted. Use the information posted on our website!
