Brazil has stopped issuing temporary work visas for BYD the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday, in the wake of accusations that some workers at a site owned by the Chinese electric vehicle producer had been victims of human trafficking.
The announcement came days after labor authorities said they found 163 Chinese workers who had been brought to Brazil irregularly in "slavery-like" conditions at the BYD factory construction site in the northeastern state of Bahia.
The workers were employed by contractor Jinjiang Group, which has denied any wrongdoing.
Later, the authorities also said the workers were victims of human trafficking. According to the foreign ministry, the workers entered Brazil on temporary work visas.
The factory has become a symbol of China's growing influence in the South American nation and an example of a closer relationship between both countries. BYD has invested $620 million to set up the Bahia factory complex alone.
Brazil is the biggest overseas market for BYD, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ministry's decision.
The Chinese EV maker has said it plans to start production in Brazil early next year with an initial annual output of 150,000 cars.
Brazil's Ministry of Justice said in a separate statement on Friday that if irregularities found by prosecutors in the BYD factory are confirmed, it would revoke the residence permits it had issued to the Chinese workers.
The Ministry of Justice had already sent a request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to suspend BYD temporary visa issuance on Dec. 20, three days before the labor authorities' findings were made public, according to a source with knowledge of the communication.
The order was then forwarded to Brazil's embassy in Beijing, the source added.
In a social media post on Thursday - reposted by a BYD spokesperson, Jinjiang Group - rejected the Brazilian authorities' accusations about the work conditions at the Bahia site.
The contractor said the portrayal of the workers as "enslaved" was inaccurate and that there had been translation misunderstandings.
BYD and Jinjiang Group have agreed to assist and house the 163 workers in hotels until a deal to end their contracts is reached, the Brazilian Labor Prosecutor's Office said in a statement on Thursday, after meeting representatives from both firms.
Nearly one in five cars BYD sold outside of China in the first 11 months of 2024 was in Brazil.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said talks between Russia and Ukraine had brought “meaningful progress” towards ending the war, as negotiations m...
The United States and Iran reported measured progress after a new round of indirect talks in Geneva aimed at resolving the dispute over Tehran’s nuc...
An unidentified man was taken into custody on Tuesday (17 February) after running towards the U.S. Capitol carrying a loaded shotgun and wearing tacti...
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has warned that clearing the vast of rubble in Gaza could take up to seven years at the current pace, ...
Peru’s Congress has voted to censure and remove José Enrique Jeri Ore from his posts as President of Congress and acting President of the Republic,...
Europe needs to develop global partnerships with key nations to tackle global problems together, chancellor tells Munich Security Conference
China became Brazil’s largest source of imported vehicles in January, overtaking long-time leader Argentina in a shift that underscores Beijing’s rapidly expanding influence in one of Latin America’s biggest auto markets.
National teams competing at Milano Cortina 2026 are unveiling distinct fashion identities, with designers from Lululemon to Armani and Moncler introducing ceremonial and technical uniforms that blend cultural heritage, national colours and modern winter-performance design.
World leaders and organisations have responded strongly to the United States’ military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture and departure of President Nicolás Maduro. Many condemn the action as a breach of international law and calling for restraint and peaceful resolution.
Cuba’s fuel crisis has turned into a waste crisis, with rubbish piling up on most street corners in Havana as many collection trucks lack enough petrol to operate.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy held military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday (16 February), state-linked media reported. The drill took place a day before renewed nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington in Geneva.
The 2026 Munich Security Conference (MSC) unfolded over three intense days in Munich, confronting a defining question of our era: has the post-Second World War international order collapsed - and if so, what will replace it?
Ruben Vardanyan has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by the Baku Military Court after being found guilty of a series of offences including war crimes, terrorism and crimes against humanity.
Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced on 16 February that the Honourable Janice Charette has been appointed as the next Chief Trade Negotiator to the United States. She's been tasked with overseeing the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said talks between Russia and Ukraine had brought “meaningful progress” towards ending the war, as negotiations moved into a second day in Geneva.
The United States and Iran reported measured progress after a new round of indirect talks in Geneva aimed at resolving the dispute over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
An unidentified man was taken into custody on Tuesday (17 February) after running towards the U.S. Capitol carrying a loaded shotgun and wearing tactical gear, according to Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan.
Peru’s Congress has voted to censure and remove José Enrique Jeri Ore from his posts as President of Congress and acting President of the Republic, just four months into his tenure, citing undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessmen and alleged hiring irregularities.
France celebrated Olympic gold in the men’s biathlon relay in Anterselva on Tuesday (17 February), following a thrilling race marked by an electric atmosphere at the stadium.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment