SPEAKER: These are tough times, and our country is
facing a massive unemployment crisis. Unprecedented numbers of educated,
skilled workers are finding themselves without work, and struggling to make
ends meet. And like those of you in this room today, many choose to migrate
abroad for work because of this crisis. So our concern is making sure that if
you are going to migrate overseas, that you are safe and equipped with the
knowledge you need to make smart decisions.
Where to begin...well, why don’t
we start with the process of finding overseas employment. A lot of migrant
exploitation can be prevented through careful job searches. Rule number one is
to never take an illegal position. Ever. If it sounds too good to be true,
which most of them do, it likely is. Not only does working illegally put you at
high risk for criminal charges and deportation, it leaves you vulnerable to
exploitation. Many people who take under-the-table jobs end up living in
slavery-like conditions, and some don’t come out alive. So don’t take
chances...go through legal employment means.
But even if a job is legal, that doesn’t mean it is legitimate. Many
people are lured by promising employment offers, only to find out that the
on-the-ground reality is, uh, not what they thought it would be. Deception is
quite common, and there’s no sure-fire way to ensure that you’ll be getting
what you signed up for. However, it does help to research any potential
employers thoroughly before accepting any offer. It’s easy enough to find
information on most companies and organisations through a basic Internet
search, but you need to get the insider’s scoop on them. You want to hear other
peoples’ experiences working for the employer, so read through blogs, forums,
personal websites...you know, where people tend to write their personal
opinions.
However, if you do end up in a compromising situation once overseas,
your safety will depend on how prepared you are to respond to such a situation.
That’s, um, that’s what we are here to help with. There are some steps you
should all take before getting on that plane. First, make sure at least three
people you trust have the details of your travel. This means your detailed
travel itinerary, the name and contact information of the employer, and your
full information, including date of birth.
Second, learn some of the basics of the language of the country you are
travelling to. That way you can at least communicate with locals and ask for
help. Third, know your rights in your destination
country. Do you know what laws exist to protect migrants? What can you do if
someone is exploiting you?
Lastly, carry a list of people and organisations to contact in that
country should you run into any troubles. The local emergency number, the
number and address of police headquarters, the contact information for any
migrant-centred NGOs, the number of a good lawyer...you need to know in advance
where to turn. I promise you won’t have time to think about that when immersed
in a threatening situation. Do the research now instead.
Another great way to solidify your personal security as an overseas
migrant is, well, to network with other migrants. Solidarity is important, and
can even save your life. I remember hearing the experience of one woman who had
been, been hired as a singer in a bar overseas. After some time, her boss tried
to force her into becoming his house servant. But because she had become part
of the migrant community, she was able to get their help in finding a good
lawyer and terminating that employment. Her fellow migrants put her up in their
homes for a few weeks, and even raised some money to send her back home. So,
you see, there really is strength in solidarity.