Brazil Rescues 163 Chinese Workers, Alleges Human Trafficking at BYD Site; Suspends BYD's Work Visas
Dec 27, 2024, 05:26 AM
Brazilian authorities have rescued 163 Chinese workers from 'slavery-like conditions' at a construction site for a factory owned by Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD in Bahia state. The workers were allegedly victims of international human trafficking, according to Brazil's labor authorities. The workers were found working long hours beyond legal limits, living in deplorable conditions, and had their passports withheld. The contractor responsible for the construction, Jinjiang Group, denied the allegations, stating they were 'completely groundless' and that there were translation misunderstandings. BYD, which is building its largest factory outside Asia in Brazil, said it has fired the subcontractor following the reports. BYD's public relations head, Li Yunfei, claimed that 'certain foreign forces' were smearing Chinese brands to 'undermine the China-Brazil friendship'. The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has suspended the issuance of temporary work visas for BYD in light of the accusations.
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No • 50%
Yes • 50%
Permanently canceled • 25%
Resumed and completed on time • 25%
Resumed but delayed • 25%
Transferred to another location • 25%
Other • 25%
Receive legal residency in Brazil • 25%
Compensated and relocated • 25%
Returned to China • 25%
No new contractor by deadline • 25%
Other international company • 25%
Chinese construction company • 25%
Brazilian construction company • 25%
Delayed by less than 6 months • 25%
On schedule • 25%
Delayed by 6-12 months • 25%
Delayed by more than 12 months • 25%
Other resolution • 25%
Improved conditions confirmed • 25%
Conditions unchanged • 25%
Workers repatriated • 25%
No • 50%
Yes • 50%
Escalated to trade issues • 25%
No significant change • 25%
Resolved amicably • 25%
Ongoing tensions • 25%
Modifies operations significantly • 25%
Continues with new contractor • 25%
No significant changes • 25%
Halts Brazil operations • 25%