Work in Europe without knowing the language. Work abroad. Well, where we do not? What professions are most in demand in Europe?
A decent and well-paid job abroad is the ultimate dream of many. And those who are ready, without sparing themselves, to work actively, build their careers thanks to knowledge, and those who are simply looking for an easy, cloudless life in a prosperous country.
You can think for a long time about whether it is worth looking for your happiness “over the hill.” But The best way to answer the question about the advisability of labor migration - turn to the experience of those who have experienced all the “delights” of life abroad.
As practice and reviews from experienced “foreigners” show, work life “on the other side of the ocean” can turn out differently. And everything depends not just on the proverbial luck, but on specific nuances and details that any migrant worker must take into account.
Important points to know
There are several key factors that people who have worked abroad for more than one year call “markers of success.” The main one is having knowledge of the language of the country where you are going. Almost all labor migrants call this factor the main one. If you don’t know the language, there will be no career. At least at first. Without the ability to express oneself, it is impossible to build a dialogue with an employer, colleagues, or fully perform one’s duties. For example, you are a waiter. How will you manage to serve a guest without speaking the language? Well, as a last resort, you should know English - this is a “magic wand” that saves you in many situations.
It is important to know this. Just before the start of 2019, some countries passed provisions making it easier to obtain a visa for seasonal work abroad. Now they are issued faster. Such work may include:
- picking berries;
- assistance on farms;
- sorting of agricultural products;
- collection of vegetables and fruits;
- work on beaches, in summer cafes and bars;
- cleaning of outdoor pools;
- work as animators.
You can get a job abroad without knowing the language, a decent education or a diploma:
- as cleaners;
- food packers;
- sorters;
- dishwashers;
- in cafes and shops whose visitors are Russian-speaking.
Work for Russians, Belarusians and Ukrainians
And, by the way, about the USSR.
Abroad, Russians, Belarusians, and Ukrainians are offered many vacancies related to housework, caring for the sick and elderly.
But there are also difficulties here. They relate to the biased attitude of employers towards the quality of “our” education. For many years, there has been a trend associated with the low assessment by “overseas” employers of diplomas of Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian model. This story dates back to Soviet times. This opinion continues in 2019.
And abroad, Ukrainians, Russians and other citizens (or rather representatives) of the post-Soviet space are offered vacancies related to working as dancers. These are dubious proposals.
There are, of course, conscientious managers who, if they offer a job as a dancer, then this is exactly what we are talking about. But there are many cases where girls who got a job, for example, in a variety show troupe, were required to do more.
Job seekers are interested in the question: is remote work offered abroad? Yes, there are vacancies.
The advantage is that remote work does not require obtaining documents. The main thing is to please the “owner” and try to establish long-term interaction with him.
So, remote work is available for:
- employees of publishing houses, magazines or newspapers (journalist, proofreader, copywriter, generator of creative ideas);
- designers of electronic media, websites;
- developers of Internet resources;
- creators of computer programs and games;
- specialists involved in filling out and promoting websites;
- strategic managers developing business projects to increase the competitiveness of companies;
- dissertation writing specialists, coursework and so on.
Gender and other issues
Who is easier to find a job “over the hill” – the fair sex or those who belong to the stronger half of humanity? The answer is ambiguous. Because in some countries employers favor male labor. And in some, the weaker sex is welcome. So, for successful work abroad, it is better for women to go to those countries where there is a demand for housekeepers, caregivers, educators, nannies and junior medical staff (where nurses are needed). These are EU countries.
And abroad it will be good for men where intellectual resources and labor potential are required for menial jobs. In Europe you can find a job as an IT specialist, financier, lawyer, or economist. And almost everywhere you can find a job as a laborer, driver, cleaner, or at a construction site.
Regarding the next question - working abroad without intermediaries, the following must be said. Many people try to find a vacant position on their own. But success, as a rule, awaits only those who have an education, know the language and have at least a little experience. In this case, you can contact the employer on your own and, having liked him, go to work without much risk.
But it will be difficult for those who do not have the above (experience, language skills, diploma) to find a place on their own without risk. In this case, applicants most often try to find employment illegally and may “run into” unscrupulous managers.
The advice here is this: it is better to contact a recruitment agency with a good reputation. This way you can count on effective results.
There is quite a lot of work abroad for students and married couples. But if applicants for a position do not have the main thing (as they said earlier, education and knowledge of the language), they will have to rely only on menial work.
Working in Europe for an immigrant from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus or another country is both a goal and a means. Someone initially goes abroad to get a warm job and earn the kind of money that one could only dream of at home. For some, a high salary is just a pleasant bonus, and most importantly, it is an opportunity to reach career heights and realize professional fulfillment. Still others are seduced by the idea itself, and in order to live with dignity, you need to find a job with an appropriate income.
There are many explanations why foreigners are interested in working in the European Union.
Here are the workers who come to work seasonal earnings, and illegal labor migrants, and students working part-time during the holidays. And everyone is asking just one question: in which country is the job situation better? We present the rating of in-demand specialties in 2020 and a brief overview of the situation on the labor market of countries that are members of the European Union.
Working in your specialty in Europe means a stable and sufficient income. 
However, to find a prestigious job, you need to have truly valuable business qualities, skills and knowledge in your field.
In almost every country the following are highly valued:
- IT specialists;
- engineers;
- technologists;
- teachers;
- economists;
- doctors;
- analysts;
- builders;
- trade workers.
Depending on the specifics of the country, workers in the oil and gas industry, insurers and lawyers are also in demand.
In any case, it is not enough for each applicant to have a higher education diploma. Europe has very strict legislation regulating the employment sector. And employers will have priority over residents of the country, the EU, and only then other migrants.
Therefore, in addition to a document indicating general knowledge in the required field, knowledge of several foreign languages, work experience, and a diploma of a second higher education will be a significant addition.
Sample of a diploma of higher education
Average salaries of specialists in popular specialties
food market in Europe
There is practically no upper limit for salaries in these specialties, but the minimum slightly exceeds 1000–1500 euros per month. But it is worth noting the irregular working hours and arbitrary employment schedules of representatives of this profession.
Teachers, pedagogues and scientific specialists
There is always a shortage of good specialists in the field of pedagogy. This is not due to a lack of personnel as such, but to constant career growth. School teachers, having gained some experience, try to transfer to better-paid jobs in colleges and universities. In addition, in Europe the institute of private education and individual training is very developed: courses, tutors, home schooling. 
On average, jobs in the EU for teachers are not very well paid. , Ireland, Denmark, Belgium and offer a monthly salary for teachers with experience from 2.5 to 3.5 thousand euros.
Employees receive these amounts for part-time work. The working hours are selected according to the capabilities and wishes of the candidate. Teachers in Luxembourg receive the most - 5.5 thousand euros.
Salary comparison table for European countries
This is explained by the fact that the system of private clinics is very developed and health insurance. For example, a pharmacist can receive from 4 to 7 thousand euros per month. Nurse from 3.6 to 5.5 thousand euros. And chief physicians and doctors of narrow specializations receive even larger sums, depending on the clinic, country and region. In Russia, the level of salaries for medical workers is several times lower, since medicine is financed from the country’s budget.
Builders
We are talking about skilled workers with relevant higher education diplomas. Good prospects, stable employment levels - all this is guaranteed thanks to the active pace of construction of residential buildings and commercial buildings. Architects and designers of industrial structures also fall into this category. On average in Europe, the price range is small - 2-3 thousand euros. This is the procedure for remuneration in Finland, Denmark offers about 2.5 thousand euros monthly, Sweden - 2700, Norway - 3000.
Construction of a conference center in Norway
China
Who is required. Service personnel in the tourism, hospitality, arts and related fields.
What conditions. Girls from 18 to 35 years old with basic knowledge in English. Meals, accommodation and flights are paid by the employer.
What salary. The monthly salary, for example, of a hotel administrator is from $700. This figure depends on the tourist season and the size of the city where the applicant is going. Also, employees for Good work they issue bonuses in the amount of $200, as told by the Uvisit Cultural and Business Center LLC.
How to leave and get settled. To go to China, you need to contact a recruitment agency. There are such agencies in Minsk. They will help you collect documents and translate them into Chinese. They will tell you how a person should behave in unforeseen situations, and give the addresses and telephone numbers of consulates, embassies and other authorities that a person can contact if they need help.
Czech
Who is required. Welders, mechanics, numerical control machine operators.
What conditions. The applicant's age can be up to 55 years with higher education and up to 40 - without higher education. The employer provides the dormitory, and the employee provides himself with food. We spend about $150 monthly on food.
What salary. Wages are hourly. On average - $4 per hour. You will be required to work either an 8-hour or 12-hour shift per day. You can take shifts on Saturday. It turns out that you can earn from $550 per month, minus food costs, if you take an 8-hour shift.
How to leave and get settled. To find a job, you need to contact a recruitment agency. They will help you collect a package of documents, which includes a certificate of good conduct, a medical certificate and others, and send them to the employer. If the employer likes the resume, he will send the applicant a job offer. Then you will need to apply for a work visa, pack your things and leave.
Poland
Who is required. Builders, seasonal pickers of vegetables, berries and mushrooms.
What conditions. There are no age restrictions, and you will have to work a lot in Poland, 6 days a week for 10–12 hours. Housing and food are often provided by the employer.
What salary. Payment for construction work is hourly. On average - 2–2.5 dollars per hour. You can earn $700 in a month.
The work of vegetable, berry and mushroom pickers is paid “by the basket”. A three-kilogram basket of strawberries is estimated at 0.5–1 dollar, raspberries – 1.5–2 dollars, blueberries – 2–2.5 dollars. You can collect up to 150 kg of berries per day and earn from $50.
How to get a job. The first thing to do is contact the recruitment agency office and sign an agreement. They will help you collect and arrange everything Required documents and send them to the employer.
If the employer likes the resume, he will send a job offer to the applicant. With this invitation you need to go to Visa Center and apply for a work visa. Insurance is also available on the territory of Belarus. But a medical certificate of health, if needed, will be issued at the place of work.
Lithuania
Who is required. International drivers.
What conditions. Driver vacancies are open to men under 55 years of age with work experience in Europe or Russia.
What salary. The monthly salary of international drivers can reach up to $2,000.
How to get a job. To work as an international driver in Lithuania, you need to send your resume to the agency and come for an interview. The applicant must have a passport that was issued no more than 9 years ago, a driver’s license of the required category, documents on health status and health insurance. An employment agency will help a person complete all documents.
Who is required. In the Emirates, Belarusians are offered vacancies in the service sector and in agriculture.
What conditions. Employers set three important conditions at once: age from 21 to 33 years, proficiency in spoken English and work experience in a similar field. You can get a job without work experience, but if you have it, your chances are greater.
What salary. Salary depends on the vacancy and the specific employer. Can range from $1,500 to $9,000.
How to get a job. To go to the Emirates, you need to pass an interview at a recruitment agency. To do this, you need to send your resume and wait for an invitation. Then, during the interview, the agent will find out the real level of language proficiency and answer all questions of interest to the applicant.
If the first interview is successful, the applicant will be invited to a second interview with the direct employer. An employer needs a decent appearance employee and language proficiency level.
After the interview, the employer offers a contract, which specifies the validity period (from 2 years), position, salary, living and food conditions. If the applicant agrees to the proposed conditions, he is provided with a work visa, free flight, return ticket at the end of the contract, health insurance and paid leave.
Finland
Who is required. Harvest workers in the field or in greenhouses, tractor drivers and other agricultural workers.
What conditions. Age – from full 20 to 40 years, good health and experience in agricultural work. No language knowledge required. But if you want to get a job for a longer period, your knowledge of English should be at least at a conversational level.
The duration of the contract is generally from 1.5 to 2.5 months from June to September. But there are also longer-term vacancies for 6–8 months. However, candidates who have already traveled to Finland are primarily considered for these positions.
The employer provides a place in a dormitory or rented apartment, for which $100–130 will be deducted from your salary every month. Food expenses (about $20–30 per week) are also deducted from the monthly salary and provided by the employer.
What salary. Payment is hourly, for harvesters - piecework. You will have to work 8 hours 6 days a week. For 3 kg of berries or vegetables – 2.5–3 dollars. In 2.5 months you can earn about 900-1000 dollars minus housing and food.
How to leave and get settled. Fill out the form on the recruitment agency website and send it by email. After processing the application, the agent will schedule an interview. And after a successful interview, we will help you collect all the documents for employment.
Who is required. Cruise ship owners offer jobs in the States. Job vacancies for Belarusians in the USA can be different - both service personnel and creative work like photography.
What conditions. Anyone who speaks English can go to work. This is the main condition of the employer.
What salary. Salary depends on the work a person does. A waiter's rate is about $1,000 a month, a photographer's is $100 more. You will have to work a lot and almost without days off.
How to leave and get settled. To get a job as an employee on a cruise ship, you need to go through a screening interview first with a recruitment agency, and then with the employer. After this, a visa, medical certificate and insurance are issued at the expense of the employer.
How much do recruitment agency services cost?
A recruitment agency is an intermediary between the applicant and the employer. Typically, agencies charge the applicant money for their services; only a few provide them for free.
A person can pay for the agency’s services either in advance or upon finding a job. Prepaid services cost $80–$150. Many agencies told Intex-press that if a company fails to employ a person, it returns the money.
The second option is to pay money after finding a job. Services are paid only when the employer is guaranteed to hire a person and enters into a contract with him. The price for employment can reach $500. This figure varies depending on whether the applicant has the necessary skills (for example, knowledge of language), what vacancy he is applying for, and other factors. The more skills a person has, the lower the price for agency services.
A complete list of agencies that employ Belarusians abroad can be found on the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Thank you for your help in preparing the material. recruitment agencies"Jetexpo" Minsk, "Travelgroup" Minsk, "AlefGroup" Minsk and LLC "Cultural and business center "Uvisit".
We will not be wrong if we say that working abroad seems attractive to many people. The possibility of big earnings, the desire to see new places, change your life for the better, gain new knowledge and experience, test yourself, realize your adventurism and thirst for self-affirmation...
But there are also factors that deter you from trying to get a job in a foreign country. First of all, these are fears caused by a lack of information about the rules of safe employment abroad, about the rights and responsibilities while working for a foreign employer.
Using 10 years of experience in successfully employing Belarusians abroad, we will try to tell you in as much detail as possible how to get a job abroad.
What vacancies are open to Belarusians in 2018
So, let's review the luggage personal experience and knowledge, we soberly assess the state of health, age and other factors... And we dare!
Working on cruise ships in the USA
This phrase evokes thoughts of the hot sun, splashes of salty wind and the endless expanses of the ocean. But first of all, this is work for 10-12 hours a day, almost without days off. The cruise ship is an almost complete resort town- only on the water. To maintain the appropriate atmosphere and ensure a comfortable stay for passengers on the ship, there is a well-coordinated team consisting of a variety of specialists.
Required: As a rule, boys and girls aged 18 to 35 are hired for such work.
Good news! Even if you are already 35, you should not refuse this opportunity. Largely thanks to the excellent training of Belarusian specialists, starting this year the age limit for some vacancies has been increased to 50 years. All ages are obedient to dreams!
Vacancies: service and entertainment workers: receptionists, bartenders, waiters, baristas, maids, pool area administrators, cooks, cleaners, cleaning department managers, salespeople, photographers, electricians, graphic designers, accountants, medical specialists, etc.
Requirements for candidates: knowledge of English, the applicant has no medical contraindications, appropriate appearance, professional and personal qualities, knowledge of the basics of the hospitality industry.
Some positions (graphic designer, accountant) require a diploma of relevant education, as well as work experience.
Wage: depends on the position occupied, the minimum is $800. Waiters and bartenders also have a percentage of their income from tips.
The higher the level of language proficiency, hard work, and ability to work in a team, the more career prospects abroad.
The main advantage is the opportunity to see the world literally. All employees are provided with free housing and meals for the entire period of work; when leaving the port, if there is free time, the ship's employees can attend special excursion programs in the cities where the cruise route passes. Employees can freely use the gym and attend additional training. In case of illness or injury, an employee can count on free medical care.
You can also go to work as a married couple. Even if you do not manage to work together during the first contract, then when signing a subsequent contract, you have the opportunity to write an application and receive distribution on one aircraft. We cannot guarantee getting on the same ship, but we know that while on the ship, many couples are reunited.
How does employment abroad work for Belarusians?
Large international companies do not work directly with candidates, therefore, all cruise ship vacancies are posted on the websites of employment agencies abroad. This method is very convenient, since the agency is engaged not only in searching for candidates, but also in preparing them for work on the ship. The ISMIRA company works with large international cruise organizations - Carnival Cruise Lines (Miami, USA) and Apollo Ship Chandlers (USA) and has been recruiting candidates for about 10 years.
Contacting ISMIRA LLC will allow you to resolve your employment issue as safely and comfortably as possible. We carefully monitor the employer's reputation and cooperate only with trusted companies.
By contacting us personally or on the company’s website, you can explore open vacancies and select offers that interest you. And the agency’s specialists, knowing all the nuances “from the inside,” will help you determine what you can actually claim.
By contacting our agency, you will receive high-quality and competent assistance at all stages of employment.
- Search and selection of vacancies;
- English language test;
- Assistance in preparing a package of documents for the employer, which includes a police clearance certificate, resume, letters of recommendation from previous jobs, special forms from the company, medical report, visas and others.
- Assistance in preparing for an interview with a representative of an American company;
- Registration of an employment contract with the Department of Citizenship and Migration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This is one of the factors that guarantees the legality, officiality and security of employment.
- , which includes:
- providing information on the list of documents required to obtain visas;
- registration at the embassy/consulate,
- filling out a visa application form;
- additional services that depend on the type of visa requested; Depending on the port of joining the ship, a C1/D visa may be required - a visa for crew members of ships and aircraft (USA), Australian maritime or transit visa, or Schengen visa.
- Full support in matters related to the flight to the place of joining the ship: we will help, teach, tell. Clear step by step instructions ISMIRA LLC employees will help you pass this part of the path without any difficulties.
- Support for newcomers on board during the adaptation period. We continue to communicate through social networks and instant messengers - we answer questions, give advice on how to get out of difficult situations, and rejoice at achievements together. It is important for us that a new employee takes his place in the team and is able to fully realize himself.
Over 10 years of work in the employment segment, ISMIRA LLC was able to create a reliable algorithm for interaction with a candidate for an open vacancy. We cooperate only directly with the employer, we know their requirements, so by filling out documents through us, you increase your chances of getting a job abroad in the chosen organization under the conditions and with the salary specified in the employment contract. Our staff will help you prepare for the interview.
An important nuance: employment abroad requires an initial investment from candidates . The applicant must pay the cost of undergoing a medical examination and the consular fee for obtaining a visa. The cost of the consular fee is refunded by the company already on the ship. In addition, you need to be prepared to pay for safety certificates, tests, a ticket before joining the ship, and accident insurance (while on land).
In addition, if you need to improve your level of proficiency in a foreign language, you will have to spend money on language courses. It is not possible to get a job abroad without knowing English. Especially for such people, the ISMIRA company has developed, which is suitable for people who do not speak English. The course covers the basics of the English language and specialized knowledge that will be required at work for a specific vacancy. We already have successful experience when a person came without the proper level of knowledge of English, and after completing our courses received the desired vacancy. All in your hands! We also have, where you will delve into specialized vocabulary for working in your chosen specialty. This will give you a significant advantage during interviews and will help you adapt to your new job.
All this may seem too expensive, but believe me, working abroad with official employment and decent wages is worth it, as evidenced by numerous reviews from our clients.
If you have ambitions, a desire to see the world and at the same time earn money, you can overcome your fear of the unknown - contact us, the ISMIRA foreign employment agency, we will help you find a job abroad.
In the end, each person decides what philosophy of life to follow. Will it be “where he was born, he fits in”, “under a lying stone and water does not flow” or “a fish looks for where it is deeper, and a person looks for where it is better.”
“I set a goal - go towards it firmly!”
Many of us dream of working abroad, earning a decent salary, gaining invaluable experience and combining work with travel. But not everyone is ready to step out of their own comfort zone and show perseverance and perseverance to achieve their cherished goal.
A striking example of the fact that “You can do anything if you want” is the story of Tatyana, who in March 2018 successfully passed an interview with the Carnival company for the position of pool area administrator. When asked why the girl was considering the option of working abroad, the answer was as follows:
– I have always had a dream to work abroad! And here is an opportunity to test yourself and your strengths. Of course, I want to gain invaluable experience working at cruise ship, meet amazing people, make friends all over the world, improve your English skills, travel and make money.
How did Tatyana look for work abroad?
– Like everyone else now, I decided to start searching on the Internet. I found the Ismira company that they send workers to cruise ships and became interested. I signed up for a consultation, where they told me in detail about upcoming interviews and positions, and checked my knowledge of the English language.
How was the interview with the company representative and what were your impressions?
– There are a lot of impressions from the interview! Like everyone else, of course, I was worried. But during the wait you have time to put your thoughts in order and make new acquaintances. The interview itself took approximately 5 minutes. Everything went smoothly and positively. They asked about my work experience, responsibilities, and why I should be hired for this position. The interview was successful, I got a job on the liner.
Soon Tatyana received a contract, prepared all the necessary documents and set off towards her dream... But not everything in the girl’s story was simple.
Before joining the ship and working as a pool area administrator, it was necessary to undergo special training, which was conducted in Mexico. On the way to the training venue, Tatyana received new air tickets and decided to ask the company’s support service where she should go? The girl was advised to stay in Houston. The irony of the case was that the air tickets that Tatiana received were to the place of joining the ship AFTER completing the training. So the girl missed the necessary training, and the company offered her to join the ship, but as a cleaner until the next training. Tatyana had a choice either to give up her dream and return home, or to work on a ship in such a difficult position. The girl had no thoughts of retreating or surrendering, and she resolutely went to the ship. Soon Tatyana completed the training and continues to work, but now as a pool area administrator. The girl shared her impressions about the training and life on the ship with us on Viber: 
As you can see, dreams don't come true if you don't act. To get what you want you need to make an effort, show willpower and believe that everything will work out, because “There are no insurmountable mountains: make up your mind and you will cross.”
Work in Russia.
We are historically close to Russia, which will certainly make it easier to adapt to a new place and, perhaps, will allow us to quickly reach mutual understanding with the new employer and workforce.
Vacancies: taxi drivers, international drivers.
Required: men from 18 to 65 years old.
Salary: significantly exceeds the capabilities of Belarusian employers.
Advantages: Complete absence of language barrier.
Work in Lithuania
Lithuania is also close to Belarusians territorially and spiritually. And at the same time, Lithuania is a member of the European Union, incomes for technical specialties and drivers in Lithuania are much higher than in Belarus, however, the registration procedure is also more complicated. ISMIRA agency employees will provide full assistance in finding employment.
Required: men from 18 to 60 years old.
Vacancies: international drivers, welders, turners, milling operators.
Salary: from 1,500 to 3,000 euros per month.
Advantages: partial absence of a language barrier, territorial proximity to the Motherland.
As we have already written (more than once), the labor market in Belarus is now quite tight: the number of vacancies in Lately is declining, wages are not growing, and in some industries they are even falling. In this situation, many are thinking about going abroad to work. Some are storming Russia, some are going to Europe, and some are exploring countries Persian Gulf. Onliner.by figured out where they are willing to hire Belarusians legally and how much money the vacancies offer.
First, some statistics. In the first six months of 2016, 3.8 thousand people legally left Belarus to work abroad. This is almost 500 people more than during the same period last year.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 105 organizations have a license to employ Belarusians abroad. True, some of them provide work for students for the summer, while others have suspended their activities. And now 70 companies offer vacancies well. Nevertheless, they all officially arrange jobs for people: they conclude an agreement between the employer and the employee, and send all the documents to the Department of Citizenship and Migration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In general, everything is strict. Some of them charge workers for their programs, some charge employers, some charge both. The cost of programs can vary from €35 to $600 depending on the destination country and position.
“There are practically no vacancies in Russia; there are more than 500 people on the waiting list”
It is clear that Russia is the number one country for Belarusians to earn money. And that’s why most employment companies look for workers there. Moreover, such services are offered both in Minsk and in regional and regional centers- up to Baranovichi and Dzerzhinsk.
Over the six months of this year, 2,143 workers legally left for Russia. In total, according to preliminary estimates by the Department of Citizenship and Migration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, about 300 thousand Belarusians regularly go there to work.
The main offers in Russia are construction workers (painter, plasterer, tiler, tiler, concrete worker, bricklayer). The second place in popularity is international drivers. Occasionally, holders of engineering specialties, technologists or production workers are required.
- Now employers in Russia offer salaries from 30 thousand to 70 thousand. Russian rubles. In addition, travel and accommodation are paid, as well as food costs,- entrepreneur Andrei Chernyavsky, who has been sending workers to Russia for 15 years, told Onliner.by. Recently - mainly on construction sites in Yakutia.
- And if earlier the same 70 thousand rubles was more than $2 thousand, now it is half that. It is clear that after previous earnings It became not very interesting for Belarusians to go there. Not everyone realized that this is the situation and salaries now. If two years ago, before the crisis, people approached me every week with applications and requests to find people, then lately I have been looking for applications myself. I have 500 people in the queue now. Some people wait 7-8 months.
Other agencies are also talking about the crisis. Some are trying to stay afloat, others are temporarily ceasing operations.
- Previously, we recruited workers and engineering staff, but due to the crisis we stopped this activity. No vacancies- noted in Osmos LLC. - Our partners do not recruit blue-collar workers, office workers, or anyone. Although before this they offered good salaries and normal working conditions.
Other companies working with us also told us about the crisis. Russian Federation. Consultants note that they feel the number of people taking jobs illegally has increased.
- Sometimes some employers directly offer to bring them a bus of workers so that they can work for them “under the table.” We refuse- they say in one of the companies. - But there are workers who go for it. They get a job illegally, then they are deceived, and they also complain: they say, ah-ah-ah, we were deceived. If you get a job legally, then such questions, as a rule, do not arise. A person can be fired for drinking, which is not uncommon among our employees. But he can’t admit it, because he’s ashamed.
“Poles are not ready to work for the salary that Belarusians agree to”
Second place in the ranking of the most common countries where Belarusians go to work is occupied by Poland. At least 8 Belarusian companies provide employment there. In six months, 380 people went to work in Poland - this is three times more than in the whole of 2015.
Poles mainly need seamstresses, knitters, assemblers, welders, builders, general workers, cooks, waiters, maids, drivers of categories C and E.
- We need electricians, welders, fitters, carpenters and everyone related to construction,- explains the owner of the Polish company Nhome Jakub Olczowik, who came to interview the Belarusians. Pan Jakub's company has been engaged in renovation, interior work and construction since 2002 and is located in Poznań and operates through a Belarusian company « Business Free Steel ».
- We offer a small salary for general workers from the start - 10-12 zlotys ($2.5-3) per hour. Subject specialists (the same welders) are, of course, more valuable. They can receive 4 thousand zlotys (a little more than $1000 in equivalent). But at the same time, we provide free housing (it costs us $150) and insurance, as well as transfer to sites outside the city. That is, this is your net income without taxes. In addition, if Belarusian workers prove themselves, we are ready to increase pay.
So, at first, for 22 eight-hour working days per month you can get at least $528. At the same time, the Poles say that they do not prohibit working more, as well as taking work on weekends.
- We are faced with the fact that handymen want $1000 a month for an eight-hour work day from Monday to Friday,- says Jakub Olczowik. - But “in white terms” this is unrealistic income. There is no such profit to pay so much.
The businessman explains simply why Polish employers are interested in Belarus: local workers don’t want to work for that kind of money.
- They go to work in Germany, France and other EU countries. They don’t want to work even for 20 zlotys an hour, they don’t want to work with workers of other nationalities,- The Pole shakes his head.
- Now in the EU workers from Moldova and Ukraine are becoming active competitors for Belarusians,- adds Svetlana Walczak, a representative of the Polish company. - Poland recently signed an agreement on visa-free entry and work opportunities for Moldovans, and now Moldovan workers can come to Poland to work. The only disadvantage they have, according to Polish employers, is that they do not understand Polish well and do not know Russian. It’s easier with Belarusians in this regard.
According to the management of the Business Free Style company, despite the fact that Belarusian companies operate under a license, all documents from employers and employment contracts are checked by the Office of Citizenship and Migration. Belarusians are very cautious about going to work in EU countries, even legally.
- Personally, it’s not clear to me why our people are afraid like hell to work in Poland, for example.- Olga Timkina is surprised. - Everyone is immediately afraid: they say, they will take us into slavery. But meanwhile, these people easily go to Russia for the “sabbath” illegally. And then they are surprised that they were underpaid or deceived. In addition, people must understand that official employment in the EU countries is possible only according to their nationality. work visa, which requires an invitation from a specific employer. And we have to explain that they cannot legally work in the EU on tourist visas.
From strawberry picking in Finland to flight attendants in the Emirates and go-go dancers in Turkey
Compared to Russia and Poland, there are not so many offers for other countries. Next in the top countries are Lithuania, Germany and the USA (due to student programs).
309 Belarusians left for Lithuania in six months. International drivers are most often required here. They are offered a salary of €1.5-1.8 thousand. Builders are also needed in Lithuania. They are ready to offer piecework payment to masons at €30 per square meter, to monolithic workers - €50, to façade designers - €8.
Seamstresses (sewing special clothes) have the opportunity to earn €750-800 per month. General workers are offered a salary of about €700.
In addition, there is a chance of getting hired as a car mechanic - they promise from €800 and a percentage of the work performed.
Mostly students and young people under 25 are invited to Germany for vacancies as governesses, waiters and farm workers. Salaries here can vary from €250-260 for minor expenses for a governess to €1000-1200 for hard workers in the fields.
By the way, working in the fields of Finland is also quite popular. Many people come here to pick strawberries or cucumbers.
- There are those who brought in €2-3 thousand per season, and there are those who earned only €700-800,- Jetexpo company explained to Onliner.by.
But the most incredible offers are working as a model in China and Japan. Such employment services are provided by modeling agencies. Companies do not talk about how much they pay for such vacancies.
In addition, Belarusians are offered to work on a cruise ship.
Cruise ship workers' salaries
- See all the information on our website. We always have a lot of applicants, so hurry up,- they explained to us at the Ismira company. - Salaries for jobs on the Apollo Ship Chandlers cruise ship, for example, range from $650 to $1,650 per month.
Belarusians are also called to the UAE for vacancies as maids, salespeople in boutiques and airline workers. True, they invite mostly young people under 30 with good knowledge of English, but they do not advise expecting a salary of $1000 from the start.
- People think that if the Emirates - rich country, then the salary must be insane. But this is a misconception. Employers can go to India, Philippines, Serbia and recruit people from there. Therefore, initially they offer a basic salary of $500-700, but the employer pays for housing and air tickets. Further on, if they see how you work, your salary can be increased. In general, this is a springboard for further advancement. As for flight attendants, then, of course, the salary here is higher,- concludes Jetexpo.
Literally until March of this year, the Ishiteri company recruited artists of various genres to work in Turkish nightclubs. The salary was also offered in the region of $1-1.5 thousand plus tips. But due to the explosions and the turbulent situation in the country, recruitment stopped.
Seamstresses in Poland: “The prices in the European Union are greatly reduced by the Ukrainians”
But what do the workers themselves say? We learned about the real situation in the workplace first-hand. The boys and girls flatly refused to indicate their last names and be photographed.
Natalya from the Grodno region and her friend decided to go to Poland to work as seamstresses. The girls looked for work in Belarus for a long time, but there were practically no vacancies.
- I really needed money- says Natalya. - In the spring, I saw that there was work as a seamstress in Częstochowa, a city 250 kilometers from Warsaw. I decided to try it. Honestly, I thought I would earn a lot of money.
The girl says that she was registered through an agency - legally and under a contract.
- We have been coming here since mid-June. We only paid for travel- Natalia’s friend explains. - The employer provided insurance and accommodation. Our housing is more or less neat, everything is neat, the workshop is also warm and clean, there are no complaints. But they deduct money from us for this, about 0.8 zlotys from each unit. Although the prices for us are a little higher. We once sat down to calculate how much they were renting, and it turned out to be approximately $100 in equivalent. They settled us quite far from work. I had to buy a travel pass for 100 zlotys (about $25). Personally, I feel sorry for this money.
The girls say that they spend about $100 on travel and food. They receive about 2,000 zlotys, or $500, in their clean hands.
- We work from six in the morning to six in the evening, 12 hours a day, only on Saturday the working day is shortened - up to twelve. 7 zlotys per hour,- Natalya adds. - I believe that the money is quite small for such work. With strong savings, you can save $350-400. It seems to me that I could earn that kind of money in Belarus, but this is at home, not away from everyone. We don’t have time to go anywhere here; we work almost all the time.
Natalya and her friend say that prices were higher before. Then more Belarusians came to Czestochowa. Nowadays, mostly Ukrainian seamstresses work in the city.
- They work 13-14 hours and charge in quantity, we pay by the piece,- Belarusians explain. - The fact is that for them this is a real opportunity to earn money, because in Ukraine seamstresses are paid three times less than here. This is why prices are kept so low - because there is always the opportunity to hire Ukrainians.
- I don’t know if I’ll come back,- Natalya shakes her head. - The terms of the contract are fulfilled, everyone pays on time, but the work is hard. In order to find something better, you need a good command of the language, which, unfortunately, I do not know.
Truck driver: “I worked in Russia, earned €1.5 thousand, but now there is a crisis, so I went to Lithuania”
38-year-old Alexander from Grodno recently worked as a truck driver in Russia. Then he got a job in a Lithuanian transport company and for three months now he has been driving an auto transporter - a truck that transports new cars.
- The job is exactly the same as that of an international driver in Belarus,- Alexander explains. - Everything is the same as before, so I didn’t feel anything special. The only thing is that I had to do an internship for several months and sort out the paperwork. But there's nothing wrong with that.
Alexander works for nine hours, then rests. In addition, he has two days off a week and is given two weeks of vacation every six weeks.
- I used to work in Moscow, and before the crisis, salaries there were 90-100 thousand Russian rubles ($2-2.5 thousand at the then exchange rate),- Alexander recalls. - Even European drivers were jealous of us; they couldn’t do it like that back then. But the exchange rate jumped, and it became unprofitable to work there.
The Grodno resident returned to his homeland, and here the salary of international drivers dropped to €700-1000. The man decided to find a job in Lithuania.
- I had experience, so I found an employer through an agency,- he explains. - Now Lithuanians are moving further west to work, so there are many vacancies. They offer a salary of €1600-1800, European drivers can earn €3000. We'll see how it is at the end of the month. If I don't like it, I'll leave. No one is holding me by force.
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