Uhhh … who are you?
The other day we had a visit at the hotel from some officials who seemed to be convinced that there was “something wrong”.
It’s not the first time we’ve had such a visit – so we went into “automatic mode” and asked – “where are your papers?”. They fished out their ID-cards and so that part, at least, seemed OK … however, they didn’t have an order explaining what it was they were “investigating” or checking so it was case of “Come back when you’ve got one.”
The order should identify them and the issue being checked … then we know what information they need and we can provide it. No problem – we’ll provide it, but if we are being asked to “follow the rules” and are going to face the possibility of penalties for “infringements” of the rules and regulations, then it only seems fair and logical to ask that the authorities do likewise.
Once the “check” is over they write a report, (called an Akt), and record their visit in the Inspections Book. That “paper trail” Provides the proof that the visit took place … otherwise it’s just an “informal chat” … and one of the problems with “informal chats” is there are no rules to govern them.
I am sometimes amazed that people think the ID-Card is enough … after all, it’s supposed to “identify” the person as working for this authority, or that. However, it’s not enough. Possession of an ID-card does not necessarily mean that they are the rightful owner – especially when they just flash it at you. Not everyone reads a card and I have to admit that, even of they let you read it, (because they are in Russian – or Kyrgyz), it can sometimes present me with problems.
On one particular occasion, a couple of “officials” approached me on the street and one of them flashed his ID at me. I cursorily looked at it before he folded it up and put it back in his pocket – I looked OK, but I didn’t really make a note of the details, (name, official body, ID number and so on), During the ensuing conversation something “twigged” and started setting off “alarm bells” in my head. I asked to see the card again and he refused … I said that as a public servant he had to present if and when asked and I wanted to write a note of the details … at that point he started “blabbering” something about being being trainees. That was enough … I stopped and screamed at the top of voice, “Mitisia, Militsia, Mne noozhen Militsia!” (Police, Police, I need the the police!). That was enough for them … they turned and ran.
On another occasion, someone claiming to be an official turned up at the office and, before admitting him, I asked him for his ID card. He gave it to me. He actually handed it to me! Now, they are not supposed to do that … they are only supposed to hold it and let you read it … so, I told him that I didn’t believe him and to go away. I turned around and went back into the office. He did go away … and he never came back.
On a number of occasions, people have turned up claiming to be officials and when asked for the their ID card they shamefacedly reply that they … “don’t have it”. It’s in the car, they left it at home or it’s in their “other suit”. OK … no problem – come back when you’ve got it and then we’ll talk further.
These days, I am pleased to say – things are much better – more disciplined. Visiting officials nearly always have their cards with them … and they are much more cooperative when showing it to us so that we can note the details and compare it with those on the official order.
As it happens, in this case, an informal chat seems to be exactly what they wanted. It appears that a question had arisen back in their office about The Silk Road Lodge. Someone had asked: “Who is the Silk Road Lodge?” and when they went looking they couldn’t find it registered … anywhere. So, could it be that we were a “shadow” company – working in the “Grey Economy” without registration and paying our taxes … someone had decided to find out. Hence the visit.
In a way, that struck me as quite funny. It’s a five storey building in the center of Bishkek. We have lots of corporate clients and government agencies who use our services It’s not really possible to hide the business.
When we said – “No wonder you couldn’t find us – there isn’t one,” a perplexed look appeared on the face of one of the visitors, and I think I detected a smile breaking out on the other and I could almost hear the anticipated “Aha! – I knew it.”
The smile soon disappeared, however, as we explained … “You looking for the wrong thing. The Silk Road Lodge is not registered because it’s not a ‘legal entity’ – it’s a ‘department’ of The Celestial Mountains Tour Company – which is properly registered and does pay its taxes – in fact we are subjects of the Large Taxpayers Unit and have been ever since it was established.”
That’s basically all we were prepared to tell them without an official order.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with doing a check on registration and location – but it does need to be documented, or else there is no control. Without following the proper procedures then anyone could just walk in and present themselves and who knows where that could lead?
Bishkek