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Labour Exploitation


People who have been trafficked for the purpose of labour exploitation are typically made to work in sectors such as the following: agriculture, construction, entertainment, service industry and manufacturing (in sweatshops)

People who have been trafficked for labour exploitation may:
  • Live in groups in the same place where they work and leave those premises infrequently, if at all
  • Live in degraded, unsuitable places, such as in agricultural or industrial buildings
  • Have no access to their earnings
  • Have no labour contract
  • Work excessively long hours
  • Depend on their employer for a number of services, including work, transportation and accommodation
  • Have no choice of accommodation
  • Never leave the work premises without their employer
  • Be subject to security measures designed to keep them on the work premises
  • Be disciplined through fines
  • Be subjected to insults, abuse, threats or violence
  • Lack basic training and professional licenses

The following might also indicate that people have been trafficked for labour exploitation:
  • Notices have been posted in languages other than the local language
  • There are no health and safety notices
  • The employer or manager is unable to show the documents required for employing workers from other countries
  • The health and safety equipment is of poor quality or is missing
  • Equipment is designed or has been modified so that it can be operated by children
  • There is evidence that labour laws are being breached
  • There is evidence that workers must pay for tools, food or accommodation or that those costs are being deducted from their wages.


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