The Italian police have released 33 Indian farm labourers from slavery-like working conditions in the northern Verona region on Saturday, July 13, Reuters reported. Additionally, the police claimed to have taken $545,300 from the people who were allegedly abusing these labourers.
The abusers, who are also Indian nationals, lured their fellow citizens to Italy on temporary labour permits, the police continued, insisting that they pay 17,000 euros apiece and promising them a better future in exchange for what they described as slavery treatment.
The migrants were assigned farm labour, working 10–12 hours a day, seven days a week, for a meagre $4.37 per hour, which was deducted from their pay in full until all of their obligations were paid. Certain individuals were requested to carry on working without pay in exchange for an extra $14,197 to obtain a permanent work permit, which, in reality, would have never been given to them.
The abusers were charged with offences related to labour exploitation and slavery, the police added, and the victims will receive protection, employment prospects and documentation granting them permanent status.
Like other European nations, Italy is also experiencing a growing labour shortage, which is frequently addressed by immigration, especially for lower-paying positions. The nation’s system for migrant work visas has seen instances of fraud.
Days have passed since an Indian fruit picker lost his life in June after a piece of machinery severed his arm. Antonello Lovato, the owner of the farm, was detained by the police on suspicion of killing Satnam Singh. After the collision, Lovato, who was operating the tractor at the time, allegedly abandoned Singh and refused to call for help.