Instruction card advises authorities on how to recognise labour exploitation and human trafficking better

Human trafficking is a serious offence where the offender takes advantage of the vulnerability, trust or dependency of the victim and subjects him or her to labour exploitation or sexual abuse. The Centre of Expertise in Immigrant Integration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has published an instruction card to help authorities to recognise labour exploitation and human trafficking. The card also provides instructions on what to do if suspicions of exploitation or human trafficking arise.

Labour exploitation is more prevalent in low-wage sectors and sectors where the use of temporary agency workers, posted workers and subcontractors is common. Many immigrants work in these sectors and they are often in a vulnerable position. The victims may be reluctant to tell about the exploitation for fear of losing their residence permit, for example. 

The instruction card advises that exploitation can be recognised better.  The card contains questions about the customer’s life situation and employment relationship, which help authorities assess the situation. It is advisable to inform the customer and the interpreter, if one is involved in the discussion, that both the interpreter and the public official have a non-disclosure and secrecy obligation.

Victims of human trafficking and exploitation need immediate assistance

If, based on the discussion or questions asked by the customer adviser, there is suspicion of human trafficking or exploitation, it is important to look into the customer’s situation in more detail. The customer may need immediate support and referral to health and social services.

The customer may also be advised to contact the assistance system for victims of human trafficking or the Victim Support Finland (RIKU) advisory service. The services provide support for filing a report of an offence, for example. 

The instruction card: How to recognise labour exploitation and human trafficking? will be published in Finnish first and translated into Swedish and English later. 

Developing the working life skills and capabilities of victims of human trafficking

The instruction card was produced as part of the common IKUT project of the Centre of Expertise in Immigrant Integration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control (HEUNI) and the assistance system for victims of human trafficking. The IKUT project develops services for victims of human  trafficking on working life skills and capabilities, increases awareness of the position of victims of human trafficking in working life, and promotes the participation of the private sector in the fight against human trafficking. 

The project, which is coordinated by the assistance system for victims of human trafficking has arranged working life training for victims of exploitation, among other things. The European Social Fund funds the project. The funding was granted by the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre) of Häme.

Inquiries: 
Minna Säävälä, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 260