Italy frees 33 Indian farm labourers from 'slavery' in Verona

Police in Italy said on Saturday (July 13) that theyfreed 33 Indian farm labourers from slave-like working conditions in the northern Verona province, the news agency Reuters reported. The police also said that they seized$545,300 (around€500,000)from the alleged abusers of these labourers.

The abusers, who are also from India,brought fellow nationals toItalyon seasonal work permits, asking them to pay 17,000 euros each and promising them a better future, the police added.

The working conditions

Reuters reported that the migrants weregiven farm jobs, working seven days a week and 10-12 hours a day for just $4.37 per hour, which was entirely docked from them until they settled all their debts.

According to the police, some of the labourerswere asked to continue working for free to pay an additional $14,197 for a permanent work permit "which, in reality, would have never been given to them."

Victims to be offered legal residency

The police further said the abusers werecharged with crimes connected to slavery and labour exploitation, and the victims would beoffered protection, work opportunities and legal residency papers.

Italy, like other countries in Europe, facesgrowing labour shortages that are often filledvia immigration, particularly in lower-paid jobs. The country has a migrant work visa system that has faced cases of fraud.

This incident comes afteran Indian fruit picker died after his arm was severed by machinery in June.

(With inputs from agencies)