BYD Factory Scandal in Brazil: 163 Workers Rescued from 'Slavery-Like' Conditions

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A significant scandal involving the Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD has emerged in Brazil, where Brazilian labor inspectors rescued 163 Chinese workers on December 26, 2024. The workers were located at a construction site for a BYD factory in Camaçari, Bahia, and were reportedly subjected to conditions equivalent to slavery, including extended work hours, hazardous living conditions, and withheld passports.

Originally hailed as a symbol of strengthening Sino-Brazilian relations, the factory is set to produce electric vehicles, with the first cars expected to launch in March 2025. The project, positioned as a major job creator with an anticipated 20,000 jobs by 2026, faced immediate backlash after the disturbing revelations.

Brazil's Ministry of Labor acted upon receiving reports and found that workers endured conditions such as overcrowded housing, insufficient sanitation facilities, and excessive working hours without regular breaks. The Ministry has now halted the issuance of temporary work visas for BYD, which is also a significant player in Brazil's electric vehicle market.

In light of the allegations, BYD and its subsidiary, Jinjiang Group, reportedly deny any wrongdoings and suggest that there may have been misunderstandings regarding their labor practices. They also claim that foreign entities may be attempting to tarnish their reputation and disrupt Brazil-China relations.

This incident raises concerns not only about labor practices in foreign investment projects but also about the complexities of managing international partnerships amidst competing interests between global superpowers. As investigations continue, the Brazilian government plans a hearing for BYD and Jinjiang Group on January 7 to address these serious accusations.

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