Italy - July 2024

The death of a 31-year-old Indian farm worker, who was allegedly abandoned by his employer on a roadside near Rome after losing an arm in a machinery accident, has sparked outrage over immigrant rights and issues of labour exploitation and modern slavery. Politicians and trade unions have broadly condemned the incident. In response, Labor Minister Marina Calderone announced an increase in labour inspectors, promising to double the number of inspections conducted in recent years. Exploitation of migrant workers, particularly undocumented ones, has become widespread, with mafia-led practices (caporalato) being a significant issue. Recently, the Italian Competition Authority has also probed luxury brands over alleged worker exploitation.

Sources: Politico, Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (1), Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (2). Il Fatto Quotidiano, Financial Times