Estonia
In Estonia, formally identified victims of human trafficking can receive assistance services as long as needed. Child victims of human trafficking are entitled to additional assistance measures. Foreign victims are entitled to receive a reflection period, up to 60 days, during which they are entitled to assistance before deciding whether they want to work with the law enforcement authorities.
The Estonian Social Insurance Board (SIB) works as the national anti-trafficking focal point and is responsible for coordination the assistance and the national prevention and counselling helpline: +372 660 7320.
Identification
In Estonia, presumed victims of human trafficking can be identified by several authorities and non-governmental organisation. Upon detecting a presumed victim of human trafficking, the victim should be referred to the Estonian Social Insurance board, who responsible for organising assistance and support services in Estonia and who coordination the national helpline for victims of human trafficking. A presumed victim of human trafficking can receive services for up to 14 days until their formal identification.
Early and immediate assistance
Services to victims are centrally coordinated by the Estonian Social Insurance Board in collaboration with other authorities. Services can be provided for formally identified victims as long as they have need for them, even if criminal proceedings have been finalized. Child vicitms of human trafficking are entitled to receive additional assistance measures and child welfare authorities and social services are actively involved in providing support to underage victims of trafficking.
Temporary residence permits
A victim of human trafficking can be granted a temporary residence permit in order to participate in criminal proceedings in human trafficking or a related offence. The residence permit can also be given to a witness. The duration of the temporary residence permit is from six to 12 months, renewable for up to a year at a time.
Pre-trial investigation and criminal proceedings
Victims of human trafficking have access to support from SIB throughout the criminal proceedings and to free legal aid for the duration of the court proceedings. The Estonian Criminal Procedure Code offers several protection possibilities for victims of human trafficking. Victims are entitled to receive compensation, regardless of whether they have legal grounds to stay in Estonia. The state compensations is granted by the Estonian Social Insurance Board.
Long-term assistance and residence permits
Estonia does not have a long-term reintegration programme specifically for victims of human trafficking. The Estonian Social Insurance Board and other relevant agencies offer long-term assistance to victims on a case-by-case basis.
Voluntary return and reintegration
The IOM Office in Estonia implements an assisted voluntary return programme for third country nationals through the VARRE programme. It is funded by the Ministry of the Interior and its EU Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund.
