The Brazilian authorities have revealed that they have temporarily suspended the issuance of new visas for Chinese workers destined for the construction of the BYD factory in Camaçari, Bahia.
According to reports from the Brazilian press, the authorities have instructed Brazilian diplomatic representations in China to temporarily suspend the issuance of documents for collaborators of the electric vehicle manufacturer until the company provides clarifications to the judiciary regarding the employees of the subcontractor hired by BYD, whose Chinese workers were found to be living and working in deplorable conditions in Brazil, leading to the suspension of the installation works for the new factory.
Local prosecutors have alleged that the workers are victims of human trafficking and were living in “conditions analogous to slavery” under the responsibility of the construction company, Jinjiang Construction, although no evidence has been provided to support these claims.
Furthermore, it is unclear whether the Chinese workers were in Brazil without the necessary documents and work authorizations.
It is worth noting that BYD has already denied the accusations of having workers living in slavery-like conditions, claiming that the allegations are part of a defamatory campaign directed at China and Chinese brands. However, the Chinese brand announced that it has terminated its contract with Jinjiang Construction and is “studying other appropriate measures”.
The Brazilian Ministry of Labor has already informed that it is monitoring the process and may implement additional measures to ensure compliance with the legislation.
