“Unions fight new Mauritius law exploiting migrant workers”

…On 25 July, the Mauritius Parliament amended the Private Recruitment Agencies Act to include “labour contractors,” allowing them to employ migrant workers on behalf of businesses. Unions argue that these amendments will further expose migrant workers to exploitation and precarious working conditions.

In Mauritius, many migrant workers are trapped in debt bound to agents, repaying loans taken to cover exorbitant recruitment fees. Others endure appalling living conditions and face unfair labour practices and intimidation from employers, exposing them to forced labour.

Most migrant workers in Mauritius are employed in manufacturing, including textile and garment industries. They come from countries such as Bangladesh, India, Madagascar, China, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

IndustriALL affiliate, the Confederation des Travailleurs des Secteurs Publique et Prive (CTSP), is actively campaigning against the amendments. The changes would exempt employers from contributing to migrant workers' retirement funds and social protection schemes. In protest, the union plans to picket outside the Ministry of Labour offices..

Mauritian laws stipulate that migrant workers should enjoy the same terms and conditions of service as local workers…