Brazil has suspended temporary work visas for Chinese working for electric vehicle giant BYD in the country, amid claims of “slavery-like conditions”. The move followed an investigation by Brazil’s labour department, which said on January 7, 2025, that BYD had brought in hundreds of workers on irregular visas to build a factory. Officials running the probe announced in December that BYD workers were subjected to overcrowded lodging and 70-hour work weeks. Labour authorities said the 163 factory workers were leaving or have already left Brazil, and BYD agreed to comply with local laws for its remaining employees.
