live U.S. - Iran peace talks at logjam as other world leaders get involved - Wednesday 25 March
Both the United States and Iran are giving conflicting messages about trying to end the conflict in the Middle East, meanwhile Pakistan has offered...
Electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is under investigation in Brazil after hundreds of Chinese workers were brought into the country on irregular visas to work on a factory construction in Bahia, with many found in "slavery-like conditions," according to labor authorities, Reuters reports.
According to Reuters, electric vehicle producer BYD (Build Your Dreams) faces scrutiny in Brazil after hundreds of Chinese workers were brought into the country on irregular visas, according to a key labor inspector. The workers, who were employed to build a factory in Bahia, were found to be in what Brazilian authorities described as “slavery-like conditions.”
Liane Durao, a labor inspector with Brazil’s Ministry of Labour, told Reuters that 163 workers employed by BYD’s contractor, Jinjiang Group, were rescued in December after authorities discovered they had been working under illegal and abusive conditions. The workers were subsequently sent back to China, with the contractor agreeing to cover the costs of their return.
BYD, which has invested $620 million in its Bahia factory to produce electric vehicles for the Brazilian market, has pledged to comply with Brazilian labor laws for the workers who will remain in the country. Durao confirmed that the company had committed to improving working conditions to meet local standards.
The labor inspector also noted that BYD would be fined for each worker found in violation of the country’s labor regulations, although the total amount of the fine has not been disclosed.
While BYD has denied the allegations and claims the visas were issued properly, the investigation into labor violations has raised concerns about working conditions in Chinese-owned enterprises abroad. The probe into BYD could complicate Brazil's relationship with China, which has become a major investor in the country.
Labor authorities are continuing to monitor the situation, ensuring that no remaining workers are subjected to exploitation as the investigation progresses. The case highlights broader issues surrounding foreign investment in Brazil and local job creation, a priority for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. was talking to the right people in Iran to make a deal on Tuesday (24 March), as Pakistan's Prime Minister offered to host peace talks between the two countries to bring about an end to the conflict.
Afghan authorities say Pakistani jets entered northern Afghanistan, while Pakistan insists its actions target terrorism, highlighting continued strain after a temporary Eid ceasefire ended.
As conflict continues to unsettle the Middle East, airlines are being forced to make difficult, fast-moving decisions - redrawing flight paths and searching for safe skies. Amid this uncertainty, Azerbaijan has emerged as a crucial gateway linking Europe and Asia.
FinaFinal results from Slovenia’s parliamentary elections indicate a near tie between the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) and the liberal Freedom Movement Slovenia (GS), leaving neither side with a clear path to power.
In a metro station in downtown Tehran, pictures of Iranian school children alleged to have been killed by U.S.-Israel attacks are being displayed along the walls.
Meta Platforms is increasing compensation for top executives, including its first-ever offer of stock options, as it tries to fend off competition in the artificial intelligence (AI) race and incentivize leaders to stay with the company for several years.
The French government’s bid to suspend the marketplace of Chinese online retailer Shein in the country has been overruled by a Paris Court of Appeal.
The prevailing security situation in the region has done little to deter entrepreneurs from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) who continue to view Dubai as a premier and safe location for business.
China has raised the retail prices of petrol and diesel after global oil prices climbed sharply. The country’s top economic planning body, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), announced the move after reviewing international oil market trends.
Global financial markets remained on edge on Friday as the escalating war involving the United States, Israel and Iran continued to rattle investors, fuelling volatility in stocks and sending energy prices sharply higher.
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