Chinese Workers Found In "Slavery-Like Conditions" At BYD Site In Brazil

Brazilian authorities discovered 163 Chinese nationals working in "slavery-like conditions" at a construction site for a factory owned by Chinese electric vehicle producer BYD in Bahia state, the local labor prosecutor's office announced, Fabio Teixeira reported for Reuters.

While the accusations are grave, the investigation is ongoing, with no fines issued yet. I Photo: BYD

The workers were hired in China by a third-party firm and brought to Brazil irregularly. They endured long hours exceeding legal limits—sometimes seven consecutive days of work—while living in degrading accommodations.

Brazilian labor inspector Liane Durão reported that the workers needed permission to leave their lodgings, and at least 107 had their passports withheld by their employer.

“Slavery-like conditions” in Brazil encompass forced labor, debt bondage, degrading work environments, excessive working hours, and any practices that violate human dignity.

Durão emphasized that minimum safety standards were not met at the work site, posing significant risks to workers’ health. “We found that the work of these 163 workers was carried out under slavery-like conditions,” she stated.

The investigation is ongoing, with no fines issued yet.