Delhi/Verona: On Saturday, Italian authorities conducted a successful operation in the northern Verona province, rescuing 33 Indian labourers from slave-like working conditions and seizing almost half a million euros from the alleged abusers. The incident highlights the growing problem of labour exploitation in Italy, following the tragic death of an Indian fruit picker in June.
According to police reports, the perpetrators, who were also of Indian origin, brought their fellow nationals to Italy on seasonal work permits and charged them exorbitant fees of 17,000 euros for a “better future”. The labourers were forced to work seven days a week, for 10-12 hours a day, for only 4 euros an hour. Their wages were completely taken away until they could pay off their debts, which the police have described as “slavery”.
Shockingly, some of the victims were even asked to work for free to pay an additional 13,000 euros for a permanent work permit that they would never receive. The police have stated that the rescued victims will be provided with protection, job opportunities, and legal residency papers. The abusers have been charged with crimes related to slavery and labour exploitation.
