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BYD Factory in Bahia Is Under Investigation for Similar to Slave Labor and Irregularities in Hiring Workers. Learn More!
An investigation by the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE), through the Regional Labor Superintendence in Bahia (SRTE/BA), revealed a concerning scheme involving the Chinese automaker BYD’s factory in Camaçari (BA).
Between December 2024 and May 2025, inspectors carried out several investigations at the construction site and in the accommodations of the migrant workers building the company’s industrial unit.
According to the inspection, 471 Chinese workers were brought to Brazil illegally, and 163 of them were rescued in conditions similar to slavery.
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The labor shortage has changed its face in Brazil: companies hire 80% more, but workers stay only 6.8 months in the job, the service market becomes a “revolving door,” and businesses spend increasingly more to train teams that soon leave.
Statements collected and documents analyzed indicate that BYD played a direct role in the irregular hiring and maintenance of these degrading conditions.
Disguised Employment Relationship and Immigration Fraud
Despite presenting outsourced contracts, the automaker acted as a direct employer, establishing an employment relationship according to Article 3 of the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT).
The auditing inspectors highlighted the structural subordination of the workers to the company, which exercised direct and continuous command, thereby invalidating any attempt to conceal the employment relationship.
In addition, a fraud against Brazilian immigration authorities was identified.
According to inspectors, BYD improperly used legal provisions outlined in Decree No. 9,199/2017 and Normative Resolution No. 03/2017 to disguise the entry of foreign workers as specialized technicians when, in fact, they were performing manual tasks typical of construction.
This maneuver had the clear objective of bypassing Brazilian immigration and labor legislation, facilitating the entry and exploitation of the workers.
In one of the infraction notices, the inspection described the reality faced by the workers: the attempt to give “technical contours” to a service that proved to be “essentially manual” and incompatible with the legal requirements for specialized technical professionals.
Another official document highlights the serious irregularities found, which constitute forced labor and conditions similar to slavery, with multiple violations of fundamental rights as stated in Brazilian legislation.
Degrading Conditions and Forced Labor
Forced labor was evident through the promise of unpaid wages, lack of formal contracts provided to workers, and false guarantees regarding the voluntariness of employment and the possibility of termination.
The Chinese workers were led to believe that they migrated voluntarily and could terminate contracts at any time, which in practice did not occur, severely restricting their freedom.
There are also clear indications of international human trafficking, as pointed out by the auditing inspectors.
The degrading conditions were visible in the accommodations: the workers slept on beds without mattresses and lacked lockers for their belongings, which were mixed with tools and food.
In one accommodation, there was only one bathroom for 31 people, forcing the workers to wake up at 4 AM to prepare for their shift.
The kitchens were improvised and insanitary, with food stored near construction materials, increasing health risks.
The drinking water was supplied directly from the tap, with no treatment, another factor compromising the workers’ health.
Additionally, the work shift was exhausting, reaching a minimum of 10 hours a day, without the regular granting of breaks.
One injured worker reported having worked for 25 consecutive days without rest.
During inspections, serious safety risks were identified, leading to the halting of deep excavations and the partial shutdown of an accommodation and a circular saw for lack of protective devices.
Restriction of freedom of movement was also identified, with employees requiring permission to go to the market.
Inspection and Impact of the Operation
The action of the labor inspection was decisive for the rescue of the 163 workers and for the immediate cessation of abusive conditions on-site.
The operation reinforces the Brazilian state’s commitment to combating slave labor and protecting labor rights.
The BYD Auto do Brasil Ltda. may present an administrative defense against the infractions charged.
If the fines are upheld, the automaker will face significant sanctions.
This case raises important questions about the control of foreign labor and the oversight of large industrial projects in the country.
According to experts, Brazil needs to improve its mechanisms to prevent the exploitation of migrant workers and ensure the strict enforcement of the legislation.
Beyond legal aspects, the episode also draws attention to the humanitarian conditions surrounding construction and the establishment of large factories in Brazil.
The precariousness of accommodations and disrespect for work hours are not new problems, but cases like BYD’s highlight that there is still much to be done.
To report labor irregularities and similar situations, the Ministry of Labor maintains the Ipê System, which allows for anonymous registrations, contributing to effective inspection actions.
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