Moldovan migrants encouraged to know their rights abroad

The Moldovans who go abroad to work leave their rights at the border. Finding a job is everything that matters for them. They don’t care about the conditions imposed by the employer. Few people know their rights in a foreign country and even fewer people claim them. Such a conclusion was reached by members of the Information Center for Migrant Workers that was recently opened after visiting a number of embassies and consulates that concentrate many persons who intend to go abroad and discussing with them, Info-Prim Neo reports. Mihail Cebotari, jurist at the Information Center for Migrant Workers, told a news conference that practically all those with whom they discussed welcomed the initiative to set up such a center, but the first question was whether the center provides jobs. “We can say that the people ignore their own rights and there appeared a relevant trend. Everything bases on looking for and finding a job, regardless of the conditions. The people do not believe that somebody can protect their rights when they work abroad. When we tell them about such organizations, they don’t believe that the assistance is free of charge,” he stated. Tatiana Corai, specialist in communication and public relations at the Center, said the problem resides in the mentality of the people who consciously leave their rights at the border when going abroad. “The people should realize that it’s not right to think about money only. There should be human dignity. An informed person is regarded in a different way by the employer,” she said. Svetlana Boincean, coordinator within the International Union of Food Workers, which is a partner of the Center, said that being a trade union member is an advantage for the Moldovans working abroad. The non-payment of salaries is one of the frequent problems faced by the Moldovans. Many migrants complain about the poor working conditions in agriculture. The Moldovans who do not have the documents in order do not dare to call the police when they encounter a problem. Tristan Masat, director of the Country Program of the American Center for International Labor Solidarity that is also a partner of the Center, said that the persons who intend to go abroad must realize that they have rights even if they are not in their native country. Institutions should be created in every state to support the migrants. Such institutions should enjoy the people’s trust. The Information Center for Migrant Workers was opened on September 28. Its goal is to inform the Moldovan migrants about the rights they enjoy when working in a European country. The Center is a trade union initiative that works in partnership with the American Center for International Labor Solidarity and the Geneva-based International Union of Food Workers. The Center specifies that it does not provide employment services. Those who want to obtain information can go to 67 Stefan cel Mare Blvd., office 412, or call 022 27-22-20.