1. Maryna Aleinik funded by OSI Human Rights Internship EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES – THE OPEN DOOR FOR MIGRANT WORKERS. RECRUITMENT MECHANISM AND WORKING CONDITIONS OF RUSSIAN SPEAKING FEMALE MIGRANTS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC.

2. Synopsis of the Project brief synopsis Czech Republic is popular destination recruitment through unofficial employment agencies aim examine role of employment agencies - exploitation - forced labour - human trafficking for forced labour objectives map the system of employment agencies describe working and living conditions strengthen the rule of law in employment agencies’ activities increase protection of female migrant workers’ rights

3. Methodology methods of qualitative research semi-structured interviews with -11 Russian speaking female migrant workers - 9 representatives of NGOs analysis of domestic, European and international legislations ethical considerations

4. Background of the interviewees country of origin - Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Georgia age -20-30 (1), 30-40 (2), 40-50 (7), over 50 (1) marital status - married, widowed, divorced, single visa and residence status - work visa, business visa, permanent residence,refugee status occupation in Czech Republic: - cleaner, manual worker, domestic worker, teacher, accountant, assistant

5. Recruitment Mechanisms of Unofficial Employment Agencies informal contacts (acquaintances, friends, relatives) official employment agency in country of origin travel office in country of origin advertisement in Russian newspaper in Czech Republic also: referral by informal contacts to - unofficial work for employer - official work for employer - official employment agency in the Czech Republic internet site to official work for employer

6. Services provided by unofficial employment agencies visa work accommodation confirmation about guaranteed accommodation medical insurance contacts with foreign police

7. broker employment without permit unlawful charge of fees deduction from salary (8-100%) female migrants work irregularly Violation of law concerning broker employment by unofficial employment agencies

8. Exploitation excessive working hours no salary delayed payment of salary discrimination on wage and working conditions lack of/unpaid vacation unjustified fines no employment contract

9. Summary of recommendations ratify international instruments introduce gender-sensitive migration policy Czech legislation: migrant workers’ rights - stronger protection of agency workers’ rights - introduce protection of domestic workers’ rights - establish complaint mechanism against employment agencies employment agencies - strengthen the control mechanism - strengthen liability of employment agencies which exploit migrant workers

10. Thank you for your attention Questions from the audience e-mail: maryna_aleinik@yahoo.co.uk