Shymkent, # 02(10) 18/01/2007
psychologist, NGO "Sana Sezim"
V. Zakutnyaya

   More and more people aspire to work or study abroad, but some of them face coercion, beatings, and fall into slavery.
   The problem of trafficking is one that is continuously raised and discussed in various forums, but unless each of us takes care to ensure the security and safety of our loved ones, the situation will not change.
   With this in mind, the Legal Center for Women's Initiatives "Sana Sezim", with the financial support of the European Commission in Kazakhstan, has initiated the project "Stop human trafficking!".
   What should be done to ensure that you do not fall into the hands of traffickers? In the South Kazakhstan region, with the support of the European Commission in Kazakhstan, a hotline is open, which provides expert consultations on travel abroad and methods of security, 24 hours a day. You can make the free call to: +7 (3252) 56-27-32. Before you say yes and become sold as a slave without any money, mental rest, or opportunities to contact relatives, call and get skilled care from a lawyer and a psychologist.
   What are the main issues that people call to get advice on? What kind of visa you need to in order to legally work abroad?
   In order to legally work in a country outside of Kazakhstan, you must obtain a work visa. There are often proposals to work abroad using tourist or guest visas; however, neither of these will give you the right to work. If you leave to work using a tourist or guest visa you will be working illegally.
   What are the possible consequences of illegal employment? In addition to the monetary penalty, or in some cases imprisonment, you will likely face deportation. Also illegal employment often leads to the most difficult, underpaid, and harmful to human health work. Many often also experience irregular working hours, lack of medical care, or compensation in case of injury to health. They then get into debt bondage and live in an atmosphere of violence, fear, and coercion.
   What's needed to work abroad legally? Someone who wishes to work abroad must obtain a work permit and a work visa in the country of destination. One must also secure all visiting documents, insurance, tickets at their own expense. Never borrow money on credit from the company that you plan to work for based on later payments of wages!
   Tips for those who are going to go abroad to study or work: . The most important thing is to not trust anyone with your passport! Learn of the phone numbers to the embassy or consulate of Kazakhstan in the country where you are going. You can appeal to them in the case of threats, coercion, or fraud. When entering into an employment contract consult with a lawyer. Purchase dictionaries and phrasebooks of the language for the country you are going. If you are going to work through a company make sure you check the legitimacy and the duration of the license of the company!