BYD brought hundreds of illegal workers from China to build a factory in Brazil

Electric car manufacturer BYD has brought hundreds of Chinese workers on illegal visas to build a factory in Brazil, Reuters reported, citing informed sources.

“It was all illegal,” said Brazilian labor inspector Liane Durao, who led the investigation. She added that the company would be fined for every worker found at the construction site. The total amount to be paid is not specified.

Last month, Brazilian authorities discovered 163 Chinese nationals working in “slave-like conditions” at a BYD factory construction site. Workers are currently leaving or have already left the country.

Durao said the company had agreed to adjust working conditions for the hundreds of workers who will remain in the country to comply with Brazilian labor laws.

She said a total of about 500 Chinese workers were brought to the Brazilian factory.

A person close to BYD told the publication that the Chinese company believes the visas were issued properly and that all employees came to work in Brazil voluntarily.