Both in the wording of the law and in its subsequent application the privilege was hedged about by numerous safeguards.

Thus, the artisan who wished to settle outside the Pale had to produce not only a certificate from his trade-union testifying to his professional ability but also a testimony from the police that he was not under trial.

At stated intervals he had to procure a passport from his native town in the Pale, since outside the Pale his status was that of a temporary resident.

In his new place of residence he was permitted to deal only in the wares of his own workmanship.

If he happened to be out of work, he was to be sent back to the Pale.
While opening a valve in the suffocating Pale, the Government took good care to prevent the artificially pent-up Jewish energy from rushing through it.