Europol and the European Labour Authority have announced the results of a pan-European “Week of Action” (14–20 September) targeting labour exploitation in high-risk sectors such as agriculture, construction and hospitality. Law-enforcement bodies from 34 countries took part, including specialised Austrian units. Across the bloc 27 alleged human traffickers were arrested and 248 victims – mostly from Vietnam, China, India and the Philippines – were rescued. Austrian police uncovered a case in which parents forced their children to beg in tourist areas; the family had been moved across borders by an organised network. Further investigations are under way. The operation involved 16,000 officers who inspected more than 137,000 people, vehicles and premises. Apart from trafficking offences, authorities issued 86 additional arrests for illegal employment, immigration violations and prostitution-related crimes and opened 182 new investigations. For companies, the sweep highlights the increasing use of joint labour-inspection teams and cross-checks of posted-worker notifications. Employers hiring third-country nationals in sectors such as hotels, nail studios or agriculture should expect unannounced audits of residence permits, minimum-wage compliance and accommodation standards. Supply-chain due diligence laws taking effect in Germany and the EU next year will make knowing one’s subcontractors even more critical. Magnus Brunner, the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and former Austrian finance minister, said the action demonstrates the bloc’s resolve to implement its new anti-trafficking strategy unveiled this month, which promises harsher penalties and asset freezes for recruiters exploiting mobility corridors.
Source: ORF.at
