Brazil Rescues 163 Workers from 'Slavery-like' Conditions at BYD Site in Camaçari, Halting Construction by Jinjiang Construction

Dec 24, 2024, 10:15 AM

Brazilian authorities have rescued 163 Chinese workers from a construction site for a new electric vehicle factory owned by the Chinese automaker BYD in Camaçari, Bahia. The workers were found living and working in conditions described as 'slavery-like,' with reports indicating that they were subjected to excessively long hours and inadequate living conditions. The Ministry of Labor and Employment, along with the Federal Police, conducted the operation that led to the rescue. Following the discovery, BYD announced the termination of its contract with the subcontractor responsible for the workers, Jinjiang Construction Brazil Ltda. The Brazilian government has initiated an investigation into the labor practices at the site, which was halted due to these violations. The factory was set to be operational by March 2025.