In a recent operation, Italian police freed 33 Indian farm labourers who were subjected to slave-like conditions in the northern province of Verona. The authorities also seized nearly half a million euros ($545,300) from the two alleged perpetrators, highlighting a serious issue of labour exploitation in Italy. This incident follows a tragic accident in June where an Indian fruit picker lost his life after his arm was severed by machinery.
The alleged gang masters, who are also of Indian origin, had brought their fellow nationals to Italy using seasonal work permits, promising them a better future. Each worker was charged 17,000 euros for this opportunity. Upon arrival, the labourers were forced into grueling work schedules, toiling seven days a week for 10-12 hours a day at a meager rate of 4 euros per hour. This entire amount was deducted from their wages until their debts were fully paid off, a situation described by the police as “slavery.”
Moreover, some workers were coerced into continuing their labour without pay to settle an additional 13,000 euros for a permanent work permit, which was a false promise as these permits would never be issued. The police have charged the accused with crimes related to slavery and labour exploitation. The rescued workers will now receive protection, work opportunities, and legal residency papers.
Italy, like many other European nations, faces labour shortages, particularly in lower-paid jobs, which are often filled by migrants. The country’s migrant work visa system has been plagued by cases of fraud. Additionally, labour law violations are a significant problem in Italy. According to data from the national statistics office Istat in 2021, about 11% of Italian workers were employed illegally, with the figure rising to over 23% in the agricultural sector.
This rescue operation sheds light on the severe exploitation faced by migrant workers in Italy and underscores the need for stringent measures to protect vulnerable labourers from such abuses.