Rights, safety and emergencies

Emergency numbers

Calls are free, even from a phone without credit. On 112 you can also speak English.

I am a victim of fraud

• Keep the evidence: messages, contracts, payment receipts, names and phone numbers.
• File a criminal complaint with the police (158). You have the right to an interpreter.
• In cases of job fraud or forced labour, call the free helpline 0800 800 818.
• If a bank account is involved, call your bank immediately and block your card.

My employer has not paid me

Wages for a month are due by the end of the following month at the latest. If they have not arrived:

1. Collect evidence – Contract, payslips, your own record of hours, messages.
2. Ask in writing – Ask for payment by e-mail or letter and set a deadline.
3. Labour Inspectorate – File a complaint with the Labour Inspectorate – it is free.
4. Legal help and court – MIC IOM, the Legal Aid Centre or a lawyer will help you take legal action.

Someone is keeping my passport

Nobody except you and the authorities may hold your passport. Your employer, agency or landlord must not keep it – not “for safekeeping”, not because of a debt.

• Ask for it back, ideally in front of a witness.
• If they don’t return it, call the police on 158 or the helpline 0800 800 818.
• Contact the Embassy of Vietnam.

Domestic violence

Violence in the family is not a private matter. It is a crime and you will get help regardless of your residence.

• If you are in danger, call 158 or 112.
• National helpline for women experiencing violence: 0800 212 212 – non-stop, free, anonymous.
• The police can order a violent person to leave the home.
• If your residence is tied to your partner, get advice from MIC IOM – there are solutions.

Discrimination and hate

• Discrimination – at work, in housing or services because of your nationality. You can file a complaint with the Slovak National Centre for Human Rights (snslp.sk).
• Hate-motivated attacks or threats – this is a crime. Call 158 and file a criminal complaint.
• Write down the date, place and witnesses, and take photos of whatever you can.

Police

• A foreigner must carry their passport or residence document and show it to the police on request.
• During questioning you have the right to an interpreter and a defence lawyer.
• You have the right to ask the police to inform the Embassy of Vietnam.
• Do not sign a record you don’t understand.
• Never offer money to the police. It is a crime.

Where to get legal help

• IOM Migration Information Centre – free legal and social counselling for foreigners (residence, work, family).
• Legal Aid Centre – state aid for people with low income.
• Human Rights League – free legal help for foreigners.
• Lawyer – paid help. A list of lawyers is on the website of the Slovak Bar Association (sak.sk).