WELCOME TO SAKHALIN !
Sakhalinneftegasservis (SNGS)
24b Kommunistichesky avenue, 3rd Floor
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia 693000
INTRODUCTION
Dear visitors!
On behalf of Sakhalinneftegasservis (SNGS), let us welcome you to Sakhalin Island, a ruggedly beautiful place. A world famous Russian writer Anton Chekhov made a long journey from Moscow to Sakhalin and encountered many difficulties during his two-month adventure. Modern day travelers to Sakhalin Island may only require one to two days of travel time and with proper advance planning there is no need to encounter challenges. We have provided the enclosed information to help you plan your travels to Sakhalin and will contribute to a safe and successful business trip.
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(Anton Chekhov) | (Pobedy Avenua) |
The management and staff of SNGS welcome you to Sakhalin and wish you a pleasant stay!
Before Travel to Sakhalin
Letters of Invitation/Visa Procedure
Before traveling to Sakhalin, visitors should obtain a Russian visa. Travelers who arrive without passport or entry visa may be subject to large fines, days of processing requirements imposed by Russian officials, and/or immediate departure by the first available flight (at the traveler's expense).
There are several stages involved in the visa process:
- At the home offices, Fluor and Dietsmann visitors apply with a request for a single, double or multiple entry visa by means of submitting appropriate paperwork (e.g. Travel Authorization form (TA) with passport, 1 originally signed application for visa, 1 passport photo; the documents should be submitted to home office HR. HIV test results are required to obtain a Multi entry visa only.
- To process RF visa visitors require the Letter of invitation (LOI) which will be applied for by SNGS Government Affairs Specialist, Daria Belukhina, on Sakhalin. As soon as the dates of your travel are identified main page passport copy as well as filled out LOI questionnaire should be sent to daria.belukhina@sngs.biz. Please note that it takes 30 working days to process LOI
- When SNGS Logistics obtains the LOI, it will be sent to visitor or home office for visa application.
Daria Belukhina – SNGS Government Affairs Specialist
daria.belukhina@sngs.biz
Tel. 46 07 81
SNGS Office
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Visa Types
Multi-entry visa (Valid for six (6) or twelve (12) months)
Multi entry visas are issued to visitors who are required to work in Sakhalin for quite a long period of time and/or who are supposed to make several successive trips to Sakhalin.
The Sakhalin office must apply for a work permit for such visitors.
Single entry and double-entry visa (valid for one (1) or three (3) months)
An alternative to multi-entry visas is a single entry or a double-entry visa. Visitors can enter Russia 2 times with a double-entry visa and a single entry visa is good for one trip.
This is important information for those who plan a trip to Russia:
A certificate showing an HIV negative status is required for any person applying for a visa for a stay of more than 3 months. The certificate must contain the applicant's passport data, proposed length of stay in Russia, blood test results for HIV infection, including date of the test, signature of the doctor conducting the test, medical examination results, diagnostic series, and seal of the hospital or medical organization. The certificate must be in both Russian and English and valid for 3 months from the date of medical examination and blood test. Foreign test results are accepted under certain conditions. Persons discovered to be carrying anti-retrovirus may be detained at customs.
Travel to Sakhalin
Commercial flights
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Visitors can choose one of the following commercial routes as recommended:
- Moscow - Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (Transaero Airlines, Domodedovo Airlines, Aeroflot)
- Tokyo – Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (Vladivostok Airlines)
- Seoul – Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (Asiana Airlines, SAT Airlines)
- Sapporo – Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (SAT Airlines)
- Hakodate – Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (SAT Airlines)
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Air reservations should be made from the home office of the visitor and coordinate and be advised to the Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk based SNGS Travel Coordinator Yulia Lisimenko at + 7 4242 282325 or Yulia.lisimenko@sngs.biz Travel can also be made through Yulia Lisimenko or directly through RBT Travel Agency with SNGS Travel Coordinator involved into the process (e.g. copy on the e-mail). But payment will be made by the traveler unless approved by the SNGS Project Manager.
RBT agency works 8 hours a day from 9:00AM till 6:00PM and from Monday till Friday. You can contact RBT travel agent at +7 4242 468141 ext 130 (Anna Maltseva; leisureuus1@rbtaero.com). ). Also you can use 24hours service of RBT agency at +7 4242 281845.
Yulia Lisimenko – SNGS Travel Coordinator
Yulia.Lisimenko@sngs.biz
Tel. 28 23 25
SNGS Office
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
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Anna Maltseva– RBT Travel Agency
leisureuus1@rbtaero.com
Tel. 46 81 41 ext 130
RBT Office
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
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Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Immigration Control
Upon arrival in Russia, visitors are required to show their passports and valid visas to the Immigration control representative.
A visitor must complete a two-part Russian Migration card upon arrival. Please complete both parts of the card prior to approaching the immigration control desk. Part A of the card will be submitted to the immigration officer and Part B must be kept and provided to the border control officials upon leaving Russia.
Please see the attached example of a properly filled out new Migration card.
Customs
Visitors are also required to fill out two Customs Declaration forms before customs control. It will be reviewed and stamped by the customs official.
The declaration form must be kept and provided to the airport Customs agent upon departure.
Russian customs laws and regulations are in a state of flux and are not consistently enforced. Travelers to Russia should declare all items of value, including cash, on a customs form upon arrival and keep this form until their departure from Russia. Make an accurate and complete customs declaration of all money, travelers’ checks and valuables in your possession. Include all personal jewelry, such as wedding rings and watches, and other high-value items, such as personal computers. Those with stamped declaration forms may exit Russia with a sum of foreign currency not greater than the sum declared upon entry. Keep your exchange receipts to account for your expenditures. Without these records, customs officials could confiscate your cash and valuables upon departure. Currently, travelers leaving Russia with more than $3,000 dollars must declare the amount of cash they are carrying on their customs declaration. Lost or stolen customs forms should be reported to the Russian police , and a police report sho uld be obtained to present to customs officials upon departure.
All radio electronic devices brought into Russia must have a certificate from Glavgossvyaznadzor of the Russian Federation. This includes all emitting, transmitting, and receiving equipment such as GPS devices, satellite telephones and other kinds of radio electronic equipment. Excluded from the list are consumer electronic devices such as AM/FM radios and cellular phones.
The importation and use of global positioning system (GPS) devices are subject to special rules and regulations. In general, mapping and natural resource data collection activities associated with normal, commercial and scientific collaboration may result in seizure of the equipment and/or arrest of the user. The penalty for using a GPS device in a manner, which is determined to have compromised Russia's national security, can carry a prison term of ten to twenty years. No traveler should seek to import or use GPS equipment in any manner unless it has been properly and fully documented by the traveler in accordance with the instructions of the Glavgossvyaznadzor (Main Inspectorate of Communications) and is declared in full on a customs declaration at the point of entry to the Russian Federation. Permission for radio electronic devices may be required from the State Customs Committee of the Russian Federation.
The State Customs Committee has stated that there are no restrictions on bringing laptop computers into the country for personal use. The software, however, may be inspected upon departure. Some equipment and software have been confiscated because of the data contained or due to software encryption, which is standard in many programs.
Russia also has very strict rules on the importation of large quantities of medication. It is advisable to contact the Russian Embassy or one of Russia's Consulates for specific information regarding this or other customs regulations.
A general information sheet on the importation and use of GPS devices, radio-electronic equipment, and computers in Russia is available on the Internet from the Department of State automated telefax at (202) 647-3000, from the American Citizens Services unit of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, or from U.S. Consulates elsewhere in Russia.
NOTE: Items belonging to SNGS should be declared as SNGS property and are subject to customs inspections and clearance. Advance planning should be made when importing SNGS hand carry items intended for work or business use under the Sakhalin 2 Production Sharing Agreement.
Arrival can be slow and you must pass through immigration/customs and pick up your baggage.
NOTE: to exit with your baggage you MUST show the airline baggage tags and these will be matched to your luggage to enable you to pass to the next step.
Be aware that after collecting your luggage you will pass through x-ray again before entering the arrivals hall where the SNGS Representative/Driver will be waiting.
If no one is waiting you have the number of the Logistics manager and failing that the SNGS approved taxi service which will take you to your hotel, please do not use unknown taxi’s or vehicles.
Your safety and security is our greatest concern.
Transportation
Ground transportation for SNGS personnel is available through the SNGS Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk office. Visitors needing to arrange transportation should contact SNGS Transport Coordinator Marina Chirkova at +7 4242 28 57 32 - during business hours or send an email to marina.chirkova@sngs.biz SNGS driver will meet visitors at the airport and display an "SNGS" sign.
It is required that all visitors and employees traveling on business use SNGS provided transport or taxi City-Service (+ 7 4242 40 76 73) vehicles.
It is SNGS company policy to wear a seat belt at all times, please note that the SNGS Drivers have strict instructions not to drive when passengers do not wear the seatbelt, front or back. Please remember and do not encourage the drivers to go without “buckling up”.
Marina Chirkova – SNGS Transport Coordinator
marina.chirkova@sngs.biz
Tel. 28 57 32
SNGS Office
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
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Smoking is not permitted in the company‘s vehicles.
Visa registration
Within 3 days after arrival foreign citizen must be registered in Russia. If accommodated in apartment registration will be done in the local registration office (Passport Visa Service / Migration Service). It is very important that you provide your passport with migration card to Daria Belukhina – SNGS Government Affairs Specialist on arrival to Russia. The following documents should be submitted to SNGS Government Affairs Specialist for registration:
SNGS Government Affairs Specialist will fill in the Letter of Notice and inform Federal Migration Service about a foreigners' arrival by submitting them the Letter of Notice. The copy of the counterfoil stub will be return to the foreigner with the Federal Migration Service stamp on it and the original will be kept with the SNGS office. After the departure of Sakhalin the counterfoil stub will be returned to the Federal Migration Service within 2 days.
Those who stay at hotels, if you stay more than 3 days the registration will be done by hotel.
Do not forget to retrieve your documents from the hotel before departing.
Visitors who overstay their visa's validity, even for one day, or who neglect to register their visa, may be prevented from leaving the country.
Visitors should carry their passports and visas or photocopies. Failure to provide proper documentation can result in detention and/or heavy fines.
Daria Belukhina – SNGS Government Affairs Specialist
daria.belukhina@sngs.biz
Tel. 46 07 81
SNGS Office
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
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Local Currency
The local currency in Sakhalin is a RF ruble. The current exchange rate has recently been remaining around 23,8 rubles per $1US in recent history. The dollar-ruble exchange rate has fluctuated widely at times. The ruble is the only legal tender. Old or worn dollar bills are often not accepted at banks and exchange offices, even though this constitutes a violation of currency laws. Visitors can exchange money at banks or exchange offices. Hotels can also exchange small amounts.
There are a limited number of credit card facilities in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted by the Santa Hotel and the Sapporo Hotel restaurants,the Pacific Cafe, Megapolis, Nihon Mitai, 777 restaurants
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( Santa Resort Hotel) |
(Sapporo Hotel) |
(Megapolis) |
and a few shops (Slavyansky Bazar, Megapolis, Orbita). Visitors may obtain cash from automated teller machines (ATM) that could be found nearly in every bank lobby or supermarkets such as Slavyansky Bazar or Megapolis and Sakhincenter.
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(Slavyansky Bazar) |
(Orbita shop) |
Other ATM’s can be found at the main Banks such as Bank of Moscow, ABN Bank, The Sphera Exchange Building and the Rubin Hotel.
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(Bank Of Moscow)
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(Sakhincenter) |
There is an ATM in the airport arrivals hall on the second floor (one floor up from arrivals)
NOTE: AMEX card is only accepted by the Santa , Sapporo and Strawberry Hills Hotel and you can withdraw cash from your AMEX card from ATM machines installed in the following locations:
Sakhincenter Lobby
Iturup Bank Office – Sakhincenter
Traveler’s checks are accepted by a few banks. Alfa Bank, Far East Bank and Bank of Moscow have Western Union wire transfer.
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Map
Hotels, Restaurants, Museums
Approved SNGS hotels are as follows.
| Hotel |
Address |
Phone |
| Santa Resort Hotel |
3,Venskaya Str. |
7(4242)46-28-24; fax46-65-62 |
| Strawberry Hills Hotel |
2,Sun Light Str. |
7(4242)7 000 20; fax46-65-62 |
| Natalya Hotel |
38,A.Byukly Str. |
7(4242)42-96-83;46-31-62 |
| Rubin Hotel |
85,Chekhov Str. |
7(4242)42-22-12 |
| Sakhalin-Sapporo |
181,Lenin Str. |
7(4242)72-15-60 |
| Gagarin |
138,Komsomolskaya Str. |
7(4242)46-30-60;46-30-64 |
| Pasific Plaza Hotel |
172,Mira Avenue. |
7(4242)455-000 |
| Mega Palace Hotel |
4,Detskaya st. |
7(4242)450-450;450-451 |
| Yubileynaya |
10,Altayskaya st. |
7(4242)498-300;434-809 |
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(Strawberry Hills) |
(Yubileynaya) |
(Mega Palace) |
| Restaurants |
Address |
Phone |
| Sapporo Restaurant |
181, Lenin Str. |
7(4242) 72-47-90 |
| Furusato Restaurant |
179, Lenin Str. |
7(4242) 74-27-36 |
| Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant |
38, Buyukly Str. |
7(4242) 499-488 |
| 777 |
71, Chekhov Str. |
7(4242) 42-94-62 |
| Nihon Mitai |
28-a Pobedy Pr. |
7(4242) 55-19-01 |
| Aliye Parusa |
21 Dzerzhinsky Str |
7(4242) 42-05-39, 42-14-64 |
| Vecher (Holiday) |
172,Mira Avenue. |
7(4242)455-000 |
| Corona Restaurant |
59, Sakhalinskaya Str. |
7(4242) 42-03-79; 77-10-17 |
| Ledyanoy Stakanchik bar |
113 Sakhalinskaya Str. |
7 (4242) 72-62-72 |
| Santa Resort Hotel |
3, Venskaya Str. |
7(4242) 46-28-23 |
| Slavyanka (Russian Kitchen) |
45 Sakhalinskaya Str. |
7(4242) 42-96-67 |
| Chernaya Koshka (Black Cat) |
34a Chekhov Str. |
7(4242) 42-02-63 |
| Astoria |
39 Purkayeva str. |
7(4242) 42-70-61 |
| Pizza Delivery |
294a Lenin Str. |
7(4242) 72-67-01 |
| Megapolis Restaurant |
13 Yesenin Str. |
7(4242) 75-12-50, 72-12-51 |
| Domino |
65 Popovich str. |
7(4242) 74-29-28, 42-34-31 |
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(Bagration Restaurant) |
(Megapolis Restaurant) |
(Sapporo Restaurant) |
| Museums |
Address |
Phone |
| Natural History Museum |
29 Komministichesky pr. |
7(4242) 72-75-55 |
| Museum of Chekhov’s Book Sakhalin Island |
42 Kuril’skaya str. |
7(4242) 42-33-49, 42-33-83 |
| Sakhalin Art Museum |
137 Lenin Str. |
7(4242) 72-29-25 |
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(Natural History Museum) |
(Victory Square) |
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(Church) |
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(Glory Square) |
(Plaza Shop) |
Health, Safety and Security
Vaccinations
Vaccines: Depending on itinerary, personal risk factors, and the length of a visit, visitors may consider a vaccination against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tick-borne encephalitis, influenza, or a one-time polio booster if a visitor hasn't previously received one for travel. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed. It is recommended to make advance planning of vaccination since in some instances quite a long period of time should pass to get a strong immune response. Visitors need to consult their personal physician and/or Company Medical Department to get vaccination recommendations.
Insect-borne diseases: Diseases transmitted by insects are not generally a problem in Sakhalin, although ticks do transmit tick-borne encephalitis and Lime disease. For people planning to work on the mainland part of the Russian Far East, it is important visitors know that tick-borne encephalitis statistics are very high. Personal protective measures should be taken when insect exposure is anticipated. The following personal protective measures should be taken when insect exposure is anticipated:
Wear light tone clothing that exposes as little skin as is practicable.
Apply a repellent containing the insecticide DEET (concentration 30 to 35%). The DEET preparation should be applied to all exposed non sensitive areas of the body. Frequent application ensures continuous protection.
Treat outer clothing with permethrin (or other pyrethroid) when you are in an area of high risk for tick-borne diseases.
In areas where tick-borne disease is a risk, perform a periodic full body check during a day.
Resting-places should be located away from windfall, old grass, where could lie the paths of rodents or other animals that are hosts of ticks.
Food- and water-borne diseases:Many diseases, including hepatitis A and typhoid fever, are transmitted by unsanitary food handling procedures and contaminated water. Food and beverage precautions are essential in order to reduce chance of illness. Anti-diarrhea drugs may be prescribed by visitor's provider.
Food and beverage precautions
Drink beverages made only with boiled water whenever possible (such as hot tea and coffee). Use sealed bottled water or chemically treated, filtered, or boiled water for drinking, brushing teeth and washing fresh foods. Boil water. Boiling water for any length of time kills the organisms that cause illnesses such as diarrhea.
Drink canned or commercially bottled carbonated water and drinks. These are safe because carbonation makes the drinks acidic, which kills bacteria and other organisms. Urban travelers may choose an immersion coil for boiling water (a plug adapter and current converter might be necessary). Those without access to electricity or adequate fuel for boiling can use chemical purifiers such as iodine or tetracycline hydroperiodide tablets to treat water. Iodine, available in liquid, crystals or tablets, will destroy most organisms that cause illness. Remember to filter cloudy water through a clean cloth or coffee filter to remove sediment before treating. Many types of portable water filters are available, with varying degrees of effectiveness. If you plan to use a water filter, do some research to find the best one for your needs. Filtered water must also be treated chemically to ensure its purity. Keep a container of purified water handy at all times.
Always avoid ice cubes, and remember that alcohol will not make mixed drinks made with plain tap water safe. Consider non-disposable glasses and cups unsafe, too. Skip formalities and drink from the original beverage containers using sanitary straws.
Food presents risks as well. You should avoid leafy and uncooked vegetables and salads. Fruits, nuts and vegetables can be safe if they are well cleaned and have an intact thick skin or shell, which you should peel yourself taking care not to contaminate the inside.
Order meats, fish and other seafood cooked well done and served piping hot. Avoid moist grain dishes (like rice) that have been allowed to sit at room temperature for prolonged periods.
Always avoid cold meat platters, mayonnaise and creamy desserts, as well as buffets and products from street vendors. Don’t eat or drink unpasteurized dairy products, including cheese and yogurt. To protect against any attempts by local vendors to “stretch” pasteurized milk by adding water or unpasteurized milk to cartons or bottles, stick to canned milk.
Don’t swim or fish in polluted waters, and do not eat fish that may have been caught in such waters.
Medical Facilities
SNGS has a contract with International SOS (ISOS) Clinic to serve SNGS Expatriate employees and their dependants.
The ISOS Clinic was opened in 1998 in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and it offers comprehensive primary health care and 24-hour emergency medical services. Services available include: consultations and treatment, pre- and post-natal care, baby care, vaccinations, a pharmacy, laboratory and diagnostic services, annual health checks, general health screening, pre-employment screening, immigration health checks, referrals to medical specialists. Emergency services include emergency evacuations to Japan.
Security
As a visitor to Russia, be alert to your surroundings. Problem situations in Russia may be different from those you are used to and safety regulations and their enforcement are generally not equivalent to world standards.
Crime against foreigners is an issue to be aware of. In large cities, take the same precautions against assault, robbery, or pickpockets that you would take in any large city. Be aware that women and small children, as well as men, can be pickpockets or purse-snatchers. Keep your billfold in an inner front pocket, carry your purse tucked securely under your arm and wear the shoulder strap of your camera or bag across your chest. Walk away from the curb and carry your purse away from the street. The most vulnerable areas include underground walkways and the subway, overnight trains, train stations, airports, markets, tourist attractions, restaurants, hotel rooms and residences, even when locked or occupied. Foreigners who have been drinking alcohol are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in or around nightclubs or bars, or on their way home.Visitors are advised to be careful when ordering beverages in local nightclubs and bars, especially at night. Some establishments may contaminate or drug the drinks to gain control over the patron. Victims, who are almost always unaccompanied, have been robbed of personal property. Robberies may occur in taxis shared with strangers. Travelers have found it safer to travel in groups.
Visitors should avoid providing personal identifying information to individuals not known to them. Information obtained from unsuspecting travelers has been used by individuals to extort money from families by contacting them and fraudulently informing them that a family member has been arrested or requires urgent medical care. The caller gains their confidence by providing this personal information and requests that funds be sent to assist their family member.
Visitors should never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers. Be wary of persons representing themselves as police or other local officials. It is not uncommon for foreigners to become victims of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by law enforcement and other officials. Authorities are concerned about these incidents and have cooperated in investigating such cases. You must, however, have the officer’s name, badge number, and patrol car number to pursue a complaint. Make a note of this information if you are ever involved with police or other officials.
Security Tips
To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime, exercise the same precautions that you would in any large city and follow these tips:
- Safety begins when you pack. Leave expensive jewelry, electronic devices, unnecessary credit cards and anything you would hate to lose at home.
- Don't use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets.
- Try not to travel alone at night.
- Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances.
- Keep a low profile and avoid loud conversations or arguments.
- Avoid scam artists. Beware of strangers who approach you, offering bargains or to be your guide.
- Be vigilant on public transport and at tourist sites, food markets, flea markets, art exhibitions and all places where crowds gather.
- Beware of pickpockets. They often have an accomplice who will:
- jostle you,
- ask you for directions, to light a cigarette or the time,
- point to something spilled on your clothing,
- or distract you by creating a disturbance.
- Never display large sums of money when paying a bill. Conceal your passport, cash and other valuables on your person. Do not trust waist packs or fanny packs. Pickpockets have learned that is where the valuables are stored.
- Try to seem purposeful when you move about. Even if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going. When possible, ask directions only from individuals in authority.
- Know how to use a pay telephone and have the proper change or token on hand.
- Learn a few phrases in the local language so you can signal your need for help, the police, or a doctor. Make note of emergency telephone numbers you may need: police, fire, your hotel.
- Even slight intoxication is noted by professional thieves. Therefore, if you drink in a public place, do so only with a trusted friend who has agreed to remain sober.
- Avoid hailing unmarked cars as taxis. Although this is a common practice in Russia, foreigners have been robbed and assaulted by the drivers of such unmarked cabs. Never accept a ride from a driver who already has other passengers.
- If you are confronted, don't fight back. Give up your valuables. Your money and passport can be replaced, but you cannot.
- If you have been the victim of a crime, immediately contact the SNGS HSE Manager. You should also report the crime to the local police immediately.
Security in Your Hotel
- Keep your hotel door locked at all times.
- Do not open the door to persons unknown to you even if they identify themselves as police.
- Meet visitors in the lobby.
- Do not leave money and other valuables in your hotel room while you are out. Use the hotel safe.
- Let someone know when you expect to return, especially if out late at night.
- If you are alone, do not get on an elevator if there is a suspicious-looking person inside.
- Read the fire safety instructions in your hotel room. Know how to report a fire. Be sure you know where the nearest fire exit and an alternate are. Count the doors between your room and the nearest exit - this could be a life-saver if you have to crawl through a smoke-filled corridor. Voltage: 220V
Emergency contacts in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Office
| SEIC/SNGS representative |
Office |
Cellular |
| ISOS Clinic |
727550 |
470500(for emergency, 24 hr. access) |
Business Manager
Michael Reutt |
46-07-77 |
26-75-25 |
Human Resources Manager
Tatyana Lyamkina |
46-07-58 |
28-81-17 |
Logistics Manager
Alexander Musokhranov |
46-07-60 |
28-23-70 |
*Area code 7 (4242)
Public Emergency Phones
Emergency Rescue Service - 01
Police - 02
Holidays
The following are official Russian holidays:
| January 1 – 5 |
- New Year |
| January 7 |
- Christmas |
| February 23 |
- Homeland Defender's Day |
| March 8 |
- International Women's Day |
| May 1 |
- Holiday of Labor and spring |
| May 9 |
- Victory Day |
| June 12 |
- Day of Signing Declaration on State Sovereignty of the RF |
| November 4 |
- Day of Accord and Conciliation |
In accordance with the Russian Labor Code in case a holiday coincides with a Saturday or Sunday then the official day off is shifted to the first workday after the holiday. When holidays fall on Tuesday or Thursday, it is common for a weekend day to be specified as a workday and the day off shifted to a Friday or Monday (i.e. achieves 3 days off together).
If you are planning a trip around the official RF holidays it is useful to check on workdays with the HR Department.
General Information about Sakhalin Island
Sakhalin Oblast
Area: 87,100 sq. kilometers
Population: 590,600 (as of 01.01.2001)
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Ethnic groups: Russian 87.5%, Ukrainians 6.5%, Koreans 4.9%, Belorussians 1.6%, Tatars 1.5%, Mordovians 0.8%, Nivkhs 0.3%, Ulta 0.04%, Japanese 0.05%.
Religions: Russian Orthodox Church, Presbyterian, Baptist, Evangelical Christian, New Apostolic Church, Methodist Church, Jehovah Witness, Catholic Church, Krishnaist, Bahai.
Languages: Russian.
Local time: GMT + 10 hours (or Moscow time + 7 hours)
Capital: Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Major cities: Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (187,000) was founded in 1881 and was ruled by Japan from 1905 to 1945. The city now is a center for light industry and food processing. The port of Kholmsk(49,000), terminus for the Sakhalin-Vanino ferry, has two obsolete pulp and paper plants, a fishing fleet and a ship-repair yard. Korsakov (43,000) is the island's biggest fishing center; Dolinsk (39,000) and Poronaisk (26,000) head the island's coal and paper industries. Okha (36,800) in the north is the oil and gas center of Sakhalin.
Geographical Location
The Sakhalin Oblast covers 3% of Russia's Far East and is located in three climatic zones. The Oblast is located entirely on islands: Sakhalin Island and the neighboring islands of Moneron and Tyuleny, as well as the Kuril Islands. The area of Sakhalin Island is 76.5 thousand sq. kilometers. It stretches 950 kilometers from its northern to southern extreme. The area of the Kuril Islands is 10.6 thousand sq. kilometers, stretching 1.200 kilometers from northeast to northwest from Kamchatka to Hokkaido Island. The Oblast covers a total area is 87.1 thousand sq. kilometers. Its administrative center is Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
The Sakhalin Oblast has a strategically favorable location at the crossroad of international transportation routes and serves as an important transportation junction on export/import routes between Russia and the US, Canada, North and South Korea, China, Singapore, India and other Asian-Pacific countries.
Population and Demography
As of early 2001, permanent residents of Sakhalin Oblast by preliminary estimates have numbered 590,6 thousand people. In January-November of 2000, migration was 4,684 people, which is 32% less than for the same period of 1999.Mortality rate has become stable, which somewhat reduced natural population decline. Natural population decline in 2000 compared to 1999 proved to be 72 people more. The rate of migration outflow dropped, but overall the situation with the population replacement in the Oblast has remained practically unchanged.
Over the last several years, the migration flows were gradually reduced and the population inflow has come closer to the outflow. Total population of small indigenous ethnic minorities of the North is 3,342 persons, 1,273 of which are children under 16. In the areas of their residence in the North, the indigenous population accounts for a very small percentage of the labor force (2.3%). Only 20% or 664 persons of the indigenous population are involved in economic activities.
Mineral Resources
Sakhalin is rich in mineral resources. The major minerals are those used for energy generation – oil, gas, coal and brown coal. Oil reserves are located mostly in the northeastern part of the island and in adjacent offshore areas. Coal reserves are located in the West Sakhalin Hills and the North Sakhalin Plain. The available coal reserves are estimated at nearly 20 billion tons, 10 billion of which are located at depths exceeding 300 meters. The island has multiple fields of various types of minerals used in construction. The outcrops of various rare earth and other metals have been identified on the island – ferrous metals (chromium, manganese, titanium, iron), non-ferrous metals (copper, lead, zinc, nickel, cobalt), precious metals (gold, silver) rare metals (mercury, antimony, tungsten). There is some evidence of potentially commercial accumulations of such metals in complex ore (manganese, tin). Over the last several years a number of non-metal fields have been discovered with the reserves of zeolite, phosphorite, opoka, betonitic clay, ocher, and serpentinite). The resources of iron pyrite and native sulfur are assessed as significant. Therapeutic mud and water are in abundance. Mineral water springs could be found almost everywhere on Sakhalin.
Climate and Natural Resources
The island is a long stretch of land from north to the south. Hence, climatic differences in the winter season are significant. The winter in the northern and central areas is harsh with daily temperature never rising above +5oC. In southern areas, the winter is softer but with frequent snowstorms, strong winds and cloudiness. The summer is cool, wet with fog and drizzling rain. The second half of August and September are usually a period of clear and warm weather except for occasional tropical cyclones (typhoons) that bring storm winds and heavy rains lasting for 4 to 5 days.
The Sakhalin Oblast is one of Russia's richest woodland. Major types of wood: spruce (35.8%), larch (28.8%), fir (22.7%). The largest forests of commercial value are located in the central part of the island. This area has about 400 million cubic meters of spruce and fir wood. Sakhalin's forests are the place of habitation for large populations of fur-bearing animals – the sable, fox, muskrat, mink, squirrel, raccoon-type dogs, white hare, and reindeer. Brown bears are distributed throughout the oblast. Up to 50 kinds of edible mushrooms are known on the Oblast territory, as well as nearly 30 types of edible plants and over 100 types of medicinal herbs.
The surrounding sea is rich in fish resources, marine mammals and other biological resources. The herring, cod, flatfish, saffron cod, salmon crab, fur seal, and algae – such is by far an inconclusive list of marine wealth used in the Oblast.
Oil and gas
The amount of explored resources offshore Sakhalin are 643 billion cubic meters of natural gas, about 400 million tons of crude, and 36 billion cubic meters of gas condensate. The available data suggest a possibility for at least 1.5 times increase in the amount of currently estimated probable reserves in offshore areas.
Coal
The coal resource base including the already explored and probable reserves on Sakhalin is estimated at 21,000 million tons. The coal mining industry in the Oblast currently produces 4.5 million tons of coal per year, 1.5 million tons of which are produced by open mining.
Fishery
Total biomass of commercial fish inhabiting the Oblast's seas is estimated at over 5.2 million tons with total permitted catch of nearly 1.4 million tons per year. Total biomass of commercial invertebrates (crabs, shrimps, bivalves, and sea urchins) is estimated at 1.3 million tons, and their total catch quota is 345 thousand tons per year. The alga resources are estimated at 9.8 million tons and their annual take may reach 2 million tons without damage to reproduction. Regional waters serve as the habitat for nearly 490,000 marine mammals (seals, sea otters, fur seals).
Forestry
Forests cover 7.5 million hectares (87% of the Sakhalin Oblast territory). The wood reserves are estimated at 650 million cubic meters with annual addition of 62.5 million cubic meters of wood and the anticipated annual felling of 4 to 5 million cubic meters. The spruce and fir forests are of the highest commercial value.
Metal Minerals
Various shows of metals:
Ferrous: chromium, manganese (up to 50% in ore); titanium (25% in container-rock); iron (59.7%, in concentrate)
Non-ferrous metals: copper (5% to 10% in ore); lead (0.5% in ore); zinc (1.0% in ore); nickel (0.5% in ore); cobalt (0.001% in ore)
Precious metals: gold (5% in ore, up to 6,102g/ton); silver (3.8 g/ton, in the Kuril Islands, up to 2,591 g/ton): platinum (1.0g/ton); palladium (o.12g/ton).
Rare metals; mercury (2% in ore), antimony, tungsten
Other metals: germanium, scandium, strontium, gallium, thallium, niobium, yttrium, lanthanum, cerium, rhenium, and zirconium.
Land Resources
Total area of the Sakhalin Oblast – 8,710.2 thousand hectares
Agricultural land – 2.1% of the Oblast territory
Woodland – 5,693.3 thousand hectares (65.5% of the Oblast territory)
Marshland and interior water – 6.8% of the Oblast territory
Forestry enterprises – 80% of the Oblast territory
Populated areas – 1.8% of the Oblast territory
Standards of Business Conduct Compliance
Below are summaries of various SNGS policies. While they are primarily directed towards our employees, they also impact others. We want to take this opportunity to remind you that compliance with the Company's Standards of Business Conduct is required. During your stay and while conducting business with this affiliate, each of you individually are informed that the following policies exist and adherence to each is expected.
Ethics – SNGS Ethics Policy mandates strict compliance with all applicable laws. Even where the law is permissive, SNGS chooses the course of the highest integrity. SNGS cares how results are obtained, not just that they are obtained. SNGS expects compliance with its standard of integrity and will not tolerate achieving results at the cost of violation of laws or unscrupulous dealings.
Conflicts of Interest - It is required that directors, officers, and employees avoid any conflict between their own interests and the interests of SNGS in dealing with suppliers, customers, and other third parties. This includes employees giving or making available to anyone, for use of his/her own benefit, information of a confidential nature derived from his/her employment.
Safety - It is SNGS policy to conduct its business in a manner that protects the safety of employees, others involved in its operations, customers, and the public. SNGS will strive to prevent all accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses and is committed to continuous effort to identify and eliminate or manage safety risks associated with its activities.
Alcohol and Drug Use – SNGS recognizes that alcohol, drug, or other substance abuse by employees will impair their ability to perform properly and will have serious adverse effects on the safety, efficiency, and productivity of other employees and SNGS as a whole. The misuse of legitimate drugs, or the use, possession, distribution or sale of illicit or unprescribed controlled drugs on company business or premises, is strictly prohibited and is grounds for termination. Possession, use, distribution or sale of alcoholic beverages on company premises is not allowed without prior approval of appropriate senior management. Being unfit for work because of use of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited and is grounds for termination. While this policy refers specifically to alcohol and drugs, it is intended to apply to inhalants and all other forms of substance abuse.
Harassment in the Workplace - Any form of harassment in any company workplace is prohibited. SNGS specifically prohibits any form of harassment by or toward employees, contractors, suppliers or customers. Harassment will not be tolerated. Forms of harassment include but are not limited to unwelcome verbal or physical advances and sexually, racially or otherwise derogatory or discriminatory materials, statements, or remarks.
Departure from Sakhalin
Pre-Departure Planning
Visitors should:
- submit approved travel request to HR/Logistics department
- check visa, passport and customs declaration before departure.
- contact SNGS Logistics and reserve a company car prior to the departure date.
- return the office access card, SOS medical insurance card, keys and cell phone to the office beforehand.
Travelers should obtain receipts for all high-value items (including caviar) purchased in Russia. Any article that could appear old to the customs service, including icons, samovars, rugs, and other antiques, must have a certificate indicating that it has no historical value. It is illegal to remove such items from Russia without this certificate. These certificates may be obtained either from the vendor of the item or from the Russian Ministry of Culture, or its local departments.
Purchasing works of art (e.g. paintings) require special certification at the local Sakhalin Art museum. Antiques, old Russian coins, rocks/minerals, and ivory can be confiscated without proper approvals/licenses.
Immigration and Customs
When departing Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Visitors should keep at least 500 rubles available to pay the airport exit tax.
Another customs declaration form must be completed when departing Russia. Both declaration forms (entry and exit) must be presented to customs upon your departure. The customs declaration form asks a number of detailed questions that are based on applicable law and are to be answered truthfully. All luggage and carry-on items must be available for inspection by customs officials.