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.
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about the program
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.
01
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:
02
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.
03
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.
