The Italian police announced on Saturday that they had liberated 33 Indian farm labourers from conditions resembling slavery in the northern province of Verona and seized nearly half a million euros (approximately $545,300) from their two alleged abusers.
The issue of labour exploitation has gained significant attention in Italy, particularly after a tragic incident in June when an Indian fruit picker died following an accident that severed his arm.
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In this latest case, the police revealed that the alleged gang masters, who are also from India, brought fellow nationals to Italy on seasonal work permits. The migrants were charged 17,000 euros each, with promises of a better future.
Upon arrival, the migrants were given farm jobs and subjected to gruelling conditions, working seven days a week for 10-12 hours a day at a meagre rate of 4 euros per hour. All of their wages were deducted until their debts were cleared. The police described this treatment as “slavery.”
Some of the labourers were further coerced into working for free to pay an additional 13,000 euros for a permanent work permit, which the police stated would never have been granted.
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The alleged perpetrators have been charged with crimes related to slavery and labour exploitation. The victims are now being offered protection, work opportunities, and legal residency papers by the police.
Italy, like many other European countries, faces growing labour shortages, often filled through immigration, especially in lower-paid sectors. The country’s migrant work visa system has been subject to instances of fraud and labor law violations.
The freed labourers will receive support to transition out of their exploitative conditions, highlighting the Italian government’s commitment to addressing and rectifying such abuses within its borders.
