Chinese workers rescued from 'slave-like' conditions in Brazil: Reports

By Sinan Dogan

Authorities in Brazil rescued more than 160 Chinese workers from "slave-like" conditions at a construction site where they had been building a factory for a Chinese car manufacturer, reports said Thursday.

National media outlets said the Brazilian subsidiary of Chinese automaker BYD Auto, BYD Auto do Brasil, announced the immediate termination of its contract with subcontractor Jinjiang Construction Brazil Ltd.

BYD Auto do Brasil condemned the conditions as a violation of human dignity and pledged to pursue legal action against those responsible.

Local authorities revealed that workers were forced to sleep on beds without mattresses and faced severe shortages of basic facilities, with just one toilet available for every 31 workers.

Workers had to wake up as early as 4 a.m. to queue for access.

Additionally, it was reported that the workers' passports were confiscated upon arrival from China and their employers withheld 60% of their wages, paying the remainder in Chinese currency.

China’s Foreign Ministry said its embassies and consulates in Brazil are in communication with local authorities to confirm the situation and seek a resolution.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi in Istanbul