Italian authorities have rescued 33 Indian agricultural workers from conditions described as resembling slavery in the Verona province, seizing nearly 500,000 euros from two suspected abusers. The incident comes amid increased scrutiny of labor exploitation in Italy, following the tragic death of an Indian fruit picker in June, who lost an arm in a machinery accident.
Police stated that the alleged perpetrators, also of Indian origin, brought their fellow countrymen to Italy on seasonal work permits, charging each individual 17,000 euros and promising a better life. The migrants were employed on farms, working seven days a week for 10-12 hours a day, earning only 4 euros per hour. Their wages were completely withheld until they had paid off their debts, a practice described by police as akin to “slavery”.
In some instances, the workers were compelled to work without compensation to settle an additional 13,000 euros for a permanent work permit, “which, in reality, would never have been given to them,” as per the police statement.
The accused individuals are facing charges related to slavery and labor exploitation, while the victims will be provided with support, job opportunities, and legal residency documents. Italy, like other European nations, is dealing with rising labor shortages, often addressed through immigration, particularly in sectors with lower wages.
Italy operates a migrant work visa program that has encountered instances of fraud. Additionally, the country struggles with labor law violations, as indicated by Istat, the national statistics office, which reported that about 11% of Italian workers were employed illegally in 2021, with the rate exceeding 23% in the agricultural sector.