BYD Factory in Brazil Faces Investigation as Chinese Workers Found in 'Slavery-like Conditions'

Brazilian officials discovered 163 Chinese workers in "slavery-like conditions" at a BYD factory construction site in Bahia. Workers faced withheld passports, long hours, and unsafe environments, sparking an ongoing investigation into labor violations.

Chinese Nationals Found in "Slavery-like Conditions" at BYD Site

During a news conference on Monday, the local labor prosecutor's office in Brazil's Bahia state announced that 163 Chinese nationals were discovered working in "slavery-like conditions" on a building site for a facility run by BYD, a Chinese electric vehicle company.

According to the authorities, the workers were brought to Brazil in an unauthorized manner after being engaged in China by a different company, Investing.com shares.

In addition to other labor infractions, they were forced to work long hours—more than what is permitted by Brazilian law—sometimes for seven days in a row in what the authorities characterized as terrible conditions in their housing.

BYD Factory Workers Face Extreme Exploitation

When asked for comment, BYD did not respond right away. Authorities in charge of labor did not reveal which companies had hired the employees.

Forced labor is one example of what is considered "slavery-like conditions" in Brazil; other examples include financial bondage, demeaning working conditions, dangerously long hours, and any kind of labor that undermines human dignity.

Dangerous Worksite Conditions Spark Concerns

According to labor inspector Liane Durao, the conditions at the work site were hazardous, and workers had to ask for permission to leave their accommodations. Additionally, at least 107 of them had their passports confiscated by their employer.

"We found that the work of ... these 163 workers, was carried out in slavery-like conditions," according to her.

As far as Durao is concerned, the operation is still going on, and there have been no fines handed out as of yet.