Official reports from Brazilian labor authorities or news outlets

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.