Hundreds Of Chinese BYD Workers In Brazil Had Irregular Visas

Electric vehicle producer BYD brought hundreds of Chinese workers on irregular visas to build a factory in Brazil, a key labor inspector told Reuters.

A total of 163 workers, hired by BYD contractor Jinjiang, were found last month to be working in conditions Brazilian officials described as "slavery-like." I Photo: Wang Tiancong, Xinhua

The company has pledged to comply with local labor laws for the workers remaining in the country, according to Fabio Teixeira and Luciana Novaes Magalhães, reporting for Reuters.

A total of 163 workers, hired by BYD contractor Jinjiang, were found last month to be working in conditions Brazilian officials described as "slavery-like."

 The 163 workers, who were rescued by labor authorities in December, are leaving or have already left Brazil, said Liane Durao, who spearheaded the probe announced in late December by the labor prosecutor's office in Bahia state.

"All of this was irregular," said Durao, adding that BYD would be fined for each worker found in this situation, though she did not elaborate on the total amount to be paid.

She confirmed that the company had agreed to adjust the conditions for the hundreds of workers who will remain in the country to comply with Brazilian labor laws. About 500 Chinese workers were brought to work at the Brazilian factory, she said.