We answer all questions honestly

We openly address questions and dispel doubts. There are no hidden topics here — only honest answers to the most common myths and concerns.

The Alabuga Start programme is fully legal, all conditions are set out in an official contract, and participation is voluntary.

Myths and Reality

In a stream of anonymous publications, it is important to rely on verified facts. We address popular rumours by providing transparent information on how the programme actually works.

Myth 1:

Participants have their passports taken away

Reality

The confiscation of personal documents is a criminal offence under the legislation of the Russian Federation. In the Alabuga Start programme, passports always remain with the participants. This is strictly monitored: ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions, during their visits, personally speak with participants and confirm that their rights are being respected.

Myth 2:

Girls are forced to work without days off for 12–16 hours

Reality

Working hours are strictly regulated by an official employment contract. The standard working week is 40 hours. If overtime is required, it occurs only with the employee's consent and is paid additionally. All terms are reviewed and signed by the participant before starting work.

Myth 3:

Salaries are not paid or money is secretly deducted for accommodation

Reality

Participants receive a fully official salary twice a month to their personal bank card. Accommodation in modern corporate hostels is charged separately and costs $44 per month, and each participant is informed of this in advance.

Myth 4:

The territory is closed and girls are not allowed to leave it

Reality

The workplace and accommodation are located within a secure, access-controlled area (Face ID system). This is implemented for the participants' safety and to prevent access by unauthorised persons. Outside working hours, participants are free to manage their time as they wish: they visit shopping centers, cafés, and cultural events. Moreover, during weekends and holidays, participants can travel freely across the country and explore new cities.

Myth 5:

This is not an official programme, and the authorities of participating countries are not aware of it

Reality

The programme operates in full transparency. We are in constant contact with the ministries of labour and education, as well as the embassies of partner countries (including Uganda, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, and others). Foreign delegations regularly visit the special economic zone. This can be verified by reviewing official reports and photographs from the visits in the Partners section.

Watch the video
about the program

REAL-WORLD PRESENCE AND OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS

Legitimacy is proven through transparency and action. Our presence at state-level summits and international festivals serves as definitive proof that Alabuga Start is a verified, official, and secure programme.

AFROFEST — RUSSIA

3 – 23 AUGUST 2026

ALABUGA START — GENERAL PARTNER

ABOUT THE EVENT

AFROFEST is the largest international festival in Russia dedicated to the cultural heritage of the African continent. Supported by the Moscow Government and the Embassies of African nations, it serves as a vital platform for diplomatic, economic, and cultural exchange. The festival features a diverse programme, including high-level business forums, fashion showcases by African designers, and large-scale performances celebrating traditional music and art.

OUR MISSION & VALUES

For Alabuga Start, being the General Partner is about more than sponsorship; it is about deep cultural immersion. We believe that to work together effectively, we must understand and respect each other’s roots. Our involvement allows us to support international dialogue and ensure that our participants feel a genuine connection between their home culture and their new professional environment in Russia.

WORLD YOUTH FESTIVAL (WYF) — RUSSIA

11 – 17 SEPTEMBER 2026

ALABUGA START — OFFICIAL PARTICIPANT

ABOUT THE EVENT

The World Youth Festival is a premier global event revived by presidential decree to foster international dialogue among the next generation of leaders. Hosted at the Ekaterinburg-Expo centre, the 2026 festival set an absolute record, receiving over 113,000 applications from 191 countries. It serves as a massive platform for 10,000 selected delegates — including young scientists, diplomats, and creative professionals — to solve global challenges under the motto: “Follow the dream. Together with Russia.”

OUR MISSION & VALUES

Alabuga Start participated in the festival to engage directly with talent from across the globe, including the World Culture Districts where the heritage of Africa and other regions was celebrated. We strive to build a transparent, borderless environment where young leaders can confidently pursue global career pathways.

THE WINNING GIRL SUMMIT — NIGERIA

19 MAY 2026

ALABUGA START — INTERNATIONAL PARTNER

ABOUT THE EVENT

The Winning Girl Summit is a prestigious empowerment and leadership event held in Nigeria, dedicated to inspiring and guiding the next generation of professional women. The summit serves as a platform for career mentorship, bringing together ambitious students, educators, and community leaders to discuss future opportunities and personal development. Through keynote speeches and interactive sessions, it helps young women navigate their paths toward global professional success.

OUR MISSION & VALUES

At Alabuga Start, we believe that true partnership begins with physical presence and direct engagement. By participating in this summit in Nigeria, we aim to build a bridge of trust with our candidates and their families in their home country. Our mission is to ensure that every participant understands the genuine care and professional support we provide, fostering a relationship based on mutual respect and shared goals for a successful future.

Where to find trustworthy information

We recommend not to rely on anonymous messages, but instead use information that can be independently verified. Use our official resources and external partner channels to form your own opinion.

Official government resources of partner countries

The most reliable way to verify the legitimacy of the programme is to visit the official websites of your country's ministries and embassies. They publish official press releases about cooperation, signed memoranda, and results of delegation visits to Alabuga.

What to look for:

News tagged Alabuga Start

International Cooperation

Employment

Partners section on our website

We have compiled a complete proofs base for you: articles and photo reports from visits by foreign ambassadors, as well as direct links to international media publications.

Official media channels of Alabuga Start

We update our Telegram, TikTok, Instagram and News section on the official website on a daily basis. There you will find interviews and live streams with participants, as well as articles about the programme. All our channels are open to comments and questions.

WATCH THE STORIES OF THE PARTICIPANTS