Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) of the Dominican Republic has alerted citizens regarding job offers originating from Russia that could be linked to activities related to the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Through a statement, MIREX reported that it has received complaints and information regarding job offers directed at Dominican citizens to travel to Russian territory, and therefore recommended carefully verifying these offers before accepting any employment.
You might be interested in: DR adopts international definition of antisemitism
The MIREX urged interested parties to verify the employer’s identity, the terms of employment, and the legitimacy of the proposal, especially when contact is made exclusively through digital means or through intermediaries whose identity or accreditation cannot be confirmed.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends verifying beforehand the origin of the offer, the identity of the employer, and the terms of employment, especially when the arrangements are made exclusively through digital means or through intermediaries whose identity or accreditation cannot be verified,” indicated the MIREX.
More Read
The institution also warned about the risks involved in any possible link to activities related to an armed conflict, due to the consequences it may have for the life, integrity, and safety of Dominican citizens.
In that sense, the MIREX reported that it will offer consular assistance to Dominicans who, after accepting these types of offers, may find themselves in vulnerable or risky conditions abroad.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further indicated that it will carry out the corresponding efforts to facilitate the safe return to the Dominican Republic of those citizens who require assistance due to their situation.
More Read
The MIREX warning comes amid international reports regarding mechanisms used to recruit foreign citizens with job offers in Russia and subsequently incorporate them into activities related to the war in Ukraine.
Amnesty International Investigation
The non-governmental organization Amnesty International has also investigated job offers aimed at foreigners to travel to Russia and participate in activities linked to the conflict.
According to the organization, there are practices of exploitation, coercion, and deception used to recruit foreign individuals for the Russian military forces and send them to fight in Ukraine.
The report describes recruitment mechanisms through which agents seek to attract people from other countries and take advantage, according to Amnesty International, of the precarious economic conditions of migrants and refugees who are in Russian territory.
“Amnesty’s research shows that the Russian armed forces are reinforcing their ranks with economically vulnerable foreign nationals and using them as cannon fodder in the war of aggression against Ukraine,” the organization stated.
Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, stated that the level of exploitation and coercion identified during the investigation led the organization to consider that, in certain cases, these practices could constitute human trafficking, in accordance with the definition established in the United Nations Palermo Protocol.
More Read
Mirex makes a call
Given this scenario, the MIREX reiterated its call for Dominican citizens to act with caution regarding job offers that involve traveling to Russia and to verify through official channels the identity of the individuals or companies making the offers.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reminded that citizens who find themselves in a situation of risk abroad can request consular assistance through the corresponding diplomatic representations and the channels enabled by the MIREX.
The MIREX recommended that citizens not hand over personal documents, make payments, or commit to supposed employers without first verifying the legality of the offer and the existence of the company or person presenting it.
Likewise, the MIREX urged those who have received proposals of this type to consult with the Dominican authorities before traveling and to report any situation that may pose a risk to their safety or integrity.
