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How to Migrate Safely?

What is Human Trafficking?

Human Trafficking is a form of modern day slavery and involves the movement of a person from one place to another for the purposes of exploitation. Victims of trafficking might be compelled to go with their trafficker through the use of force or by being sold, they may be coerced by threats against themselves or their families, or they may be tricked into believing a traffickers promise of a good job or educational opportunities somewhere else. Once under the control of the traffickers, victims are exploited in any number of ways including forced labour, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, or the removal of organs. While hundreds of thousands of people are trafficked to a different country every year, millions more are trafficked within their own countries.
HAART Kenya Pic 2

Does this mean that I should never migrate or travel?

No. But you should understand that there are risks associated with travel and migration, and that there are things you can do to protect yourself. If you are travelling because somebody else has promised you a job, education, marriage, or their benefits consider the following:

  1. If you have been offered a job, do you have the skills and training required for this position? If a promise seems too good to be true, it is probably not legitimate.
  2. If you are being promised education, have you secured a position in an educational institute? Ensure that you have seen this offer, and if the school is overseas, have a consular officer assist you in verifying that the institute exists and that the offer is genuine. If somebody is offering to pay for your education, discuss wih them the terms and conditions of repayment. It is rare that another person will pay these costs for you without expecting something in return.
  3. Is the person saying that he or she will take care of all the paperwork and travel arrangements? Verify the costs of travel and again, discuss with the person the terms and conditions of repayment. It is very rare that another person will pay these costs for you without expecting something in return. Verify with the relevant authorities that the travel and identity documents provided are authentic before you travel. Keep possession of your identity and travel documents within your control.
  4. Do you have the correct documents? Make sure that the travel documents obtained suit the purpose of travel. For example, it is not legal to work in another country on a tourist visa.
  5. Is the person telling you to hide information from officials? Be honest with officials when you are asked about the purposes of your travel. They are in a good position to help you travel safely.

Before you go:

  1. Leave copies of your travel documents, passport and identity cards, and a photo of yourself at home with your family and friends.
  2. Obtain the address and contact information for the place you will be staying and share it with your friends and family.
  3. Learn something about the place that you are going. Do you speak the language? If not, try to learn a few simple words to help you get around. Do you know anyone there who can help you if you run into trouble? Let them know that you are traveling and when you will arrive.
  4. Try to carry enough cash money to take care of yourself for at least a few days. In general, try to ensure that you have some element of independence and that you are not totally dependent on the person who has promised you the job, education, marriage or other benefit.
  5. If you are going overseas, find out the address and contact details of the Kenyan embassy or consulate in the countries you are traveling to. Carry this information with you at all times.
  6. If you are travelling for work, you should be informed of the conditions of employment. It is best to have a written contract, which is the agreement between the worker and the employer about the nature and conditions of work. This contract should specify what work you will be required to do, how many hours you will work and what rest periods you are entitled to, details on overtime and extra work, details on vacation, sick, maternity and other types of leave, the amount and method of payment, procedures for leaving the job and returning home, details on accommodation (if provided), and information on any other entitlements, like medical insurance. Make sure that you know what is in your contract! If you cannot read and review it yourself, have someone you trust help you.

After you arrive:

  1. If you have traveled overseas, notify the embassy or consulate of Kenya that you have arrived. If appropriate, tell them where you will be living and provide contact details, that you have arrived and give them your new address and telephone number.
  2. Let your friends and family back home know that you have arrived and give them your new address and telephone number.
  3. Make your own contacts. If you have some connections in the new place, contact them to let them know you have arrived. Find organizations or associations for workers. They can help you feel more at home in your new location and can provide assistance if you need it in the future.
  4. Know your rights. No matter if you are in Kenya or a different country you have some rights and protections. If you are working, your employer is not to abuse you physically, sexually or mentally, is not to restrict your freedom of movement, or prevent you from contacting your family, friends and embassy or consulate. He or she is not to take away your passport or identity documents, force you to work in dangerous or hazardous conditions, make you work all day or longer than the hours specified in the contract, or do different work than you agreed to. If you are going abroad for marriage, you should know that marriage is illegal if either one of you is below the local legal age of marriage. No one should be forced to marry against their wishes. Spouses do not have the right to abuse their partners physically or mentally, or to force their partner to have sex against their will.
  5. If you are in a different country, keep your legal status in the country updated. It is easier for authorities of both the Government of Kenya and the Government in the country you are in to help you are there legally.

What should I do if I still get into trouble?

  1. Tell your friends and contacts and get their help.
  2. Contact the organizations discussed above and seek their guidance.
  3. If you are abroad, contact your embassy or consulate. It is their duty to help safeguard your rights when you are abroad.
  4. If you are in Kenya, contact the police or HAART. Explain to them your situation and if you think you are a victim of human trafficking, tell them so.
HAART Helpline
+254 780 211 113