Filenews 14 February 2023 - by Natasha Christoforou
The details of a case of labour exploitation of 14 workers from India, who arrived in our country legally, in order to work in a livestock farm of a Greek Cypriot in Dasaki, Achna, are shocking. The workers, who were taken to a shelter, according to data collected by the Police, were allegedly forced to work for seven days a week, without rest and without salary, with their employer withholding their travel documents.
The Anti-Trafficking Department of the Police Headquarters had specific information about the case and that is why on February 8, it raided the livestock premises. The Famagusta Aliens and Immigration Service, the SBA Police and officers of the Inspection Office of the Ministry of Labour also participated in the operation.
The workers were found in poor condition, with police saying there are signs of victimisation. For this reason, they were transferred to a safe place for psychological support and protection. The Indian workers began giving interviews to police officers of the Anti-Trafficking Office and then the further handling of the case will be decided.
The employer reportedly improperly detained the workers' passports so that they could not leave. In addition, he allegedly withheld their salaries and forced them to do strenuous work on the livestock farm, from morning to night, without being allowed to take time off to rest.
The data of cases of exploitation in workplaces, show that the issue has dimensions in our country, with many workers falling victim to unacceptable and immoral behaviours by employers. As reported to "F", the police spokesman, Christos Andreou from July 2021 to December 2022, there were 9 convictions for cases of exploitation in workplaces, with sentences of 3-10 years in prison for the defendants. 4 relate to sexual exploitation, one to coercion to beg and another 4 to labour exploitation. It is noted that these offenses provide for up to life imprisonment.
The Office of Combating Trafficking in Persons in 2022 identified 16 victims in workplaces, investigated 11 cases and conducted 30 operations. Moreover, in 2021, 17 victims were identified, while in 2020 the victims were 25.
"The Police are very sensitive to these kinds of offences. The cases are taken over by a specific department of the Anti-Trafficking Office, which has specialized personnel, which in cooperation with other services such as the Social Welfare Services and the Labor Office, proceeds to businesses there and where it receives information about such serious offenses."
Mr. Andreou also said that anyone who wants to report such cases can do so anonymously or by name at 1497, which is the hotline for victims of trafficking.
