Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a common practice of exploitation experienced by migrant workers in the electronics sector?
What is a common practice of exploitation experienced by migrant workers in the electronics sector?
Which country's workers are particularly vulnerable to forced labour in the electronics sector?
Which country's workers are particularly vulnerable to forced labour in the electronics sector?
What is a consequence of passport confiscation experienced by migrant workers?
What is a consequence of passport confiscation experienced by migrant workers?
Which company is involved in the palm oil industry and has been linked to forced labour?
Which company is involved in the palm oil industry and has been linked to forced labour?
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What is a common issue faced by migrant workers in the palm oil industry?
What is a common issue faced by migrant workers in the palm oil industry?
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What is a common experience of domestic workers in urban centres?
What is a common experience of domestic workers in urban centres?
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Which country's workers are mainly exploited in the domestic work sector?
Which country's workers are mainly exploited in the domestic work sector?
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What is a consequence of passport confiscation experienced by domestic workers?
What is a consequence of passport confiscation experienced by domestic workers?
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What is the primary issue with the Kafala system in GCC countries?
What is the primary issue with the Kafala system in GCC countries?
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Which of the following organizations has reported on the plight of migrant workers in Qatar?
Which of the following organizations has reported on the plight of migrant workers in Qatar?
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What is a common practice of forced labor in the Thai fishing industry?
What is a common practice of forced labor in the Thai fishing industry?
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Which of the following is a geographical hotspot for forced labor?
Which of the following is a geographical hotspot for forced labor?
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What is the primary reason for the vulnerability of domestic workers?
What is the primary reason for the vulnerability of domestic workers?
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What is a specific case of forced labor in Qatar?
What is a specific case of forced labor in Qatar?
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What is the primary destination of migrant workers who are trafficked and forced to work in the Thai fishing industry?
What is the primary destination of migrant workers who are trafficked and forced to work in the Thai fishing industry?
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What is a common consequence of the Kafala system in GCC countries?
What is a common consequence of the Kafala system in GCC countries?
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What percentage of domestic workers in Malaysia are in situations of forced labour?
What percentage of domestic workers in Malaysia are in situations of forced labour?
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What is the estimated number of migrant workers in Malaysia?
What is the estimated number of migrant workers in Malaysia?
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What percentage of migrant workers in Malaysia experience forced labour, depending on the sector?
What percentage of migrant workers in Malaysia experience forced labour, depending on the sector?
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What is the economic impact of forced labour on Malaysia?
What is the economic impact of forced labour on Malaysia?
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How many Uyghurs were transferred out of Xinjiang between 2017 and 2019 to work in factories across China under conditions that strongly indicate forced labour?
How many Uyghurs were transferred out of Xinjiang between 2017 and 2019 to work in factories across China under conditions that strongly indicate forced labour?
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What is the estimated number of people in modern slavery in India, according to the Global Slavery Index (2018)?
What is the estimated number of people in modern slavery in India, according to the Global Slavery Index (2018)?
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What is a common issue faced by migrant workers in India?
What is a common issue faced by migrant workers in India?
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Why has Qatar faced significant scrutiny for its labour practices?
Why has Qatar faced significant scrutiny for its labour practices?
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Study Notes
Migrant Workers in Malaysia
- Migrant workers in the electronics sector often experience forced labor conditions such as passport confiscation, long working hours, underpayment or non-payment of wages, and poor living conditions.
- Workers from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Indonesia are particularly vulnerable.
- Specific cases involve workers being required to work 12-hour shifts with limited breaks, and being accommodated in crowded and substandard dormitories.
Palm Oil Plantations
- Geographical hotspot: Sabah and Sarawak
- Companies involved: Sime Darby, FGV Holdings, IOI Group
- Workers are subjected to long hours of hard labor under hazardous conditions, with reports of physical abuse, debt bondage, and wage theft.
- Many workers have reported being trapped in debt bondage, where they are forced to work to pay off recruitment fees.
- Living conditions are often poor, with inadequate access to basic necessities such as clean water and healthcare.
- Child labor is also a serious issue in some plantations.
Domestic Work
- Geographical hotspot: Urban centers such as Kuala Lumpur
- Nature of forced labor: Domestic workers, mainly women from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia, often face forced labor conditions.
- They work long hours without rest, are confined to their employers' homes, and experience physical and emotional abuse.
- Many have their passports confiscated, which restricts their freedom and ability to leave exploitative situations.
Forced Labour Abroad
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries
- Geographical hotspot: United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Saudi Arabia
- Kafala system: The Kafala (sponsorship) system ties migrant workers to their employers, restricting their freedom to change jobs or leave the country without the employer's consent.
- Specific cases involve the construction of infrastructure for events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, with reports of long working hours in extreme heat, delayed or non-payment of wages, and deplorable living conditions.
Thailand
- Geographical hotspot: Fishing industry in coastal regions
- Nature of forced labor: The Thai fishing industry is notorious for forced labor, involving migrant workers from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.
- Workers are often trafficked and forced to work on fishing boats under brutal conditions.
- Investigations have revealed that workers are subjected to physical abuse, long working hours, confinement on boats for months without returning to shore, and little to no pay.
Statistics and Relevant Data
- According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), about 29% of domestic workers in Malaysia are in situations of forced labor.
- Migrant workforce: Malaysia hosts an estimated 2-4 million migrant workers, many of whom are undocumented and therefore more susceptible to exploitation.
- Forced labor prevalence: Significant portions of migrant workers across various industries experience forced labor, with percentages ranging from 20-42% depending on the sector.
- Economic impact: Forced labor not only violates human rights but also impacts Malaysia's reputation and economic relationships, leading to sanctions and bans from major trading partners like the U.S.
Asia
China
- Scale and scope: Reports estimate that millions of people are subjected to forced labor in China, particularly in regions like Xinjiang.
- Statistics: The Australian Strategic Policy Institute reported that over 80,000 Uyghurs were transferred out of Xinjiang between 2017 and 2019 to work in factories across China under conditions that strongly indicate forced labor.
- Violations: Forced labor practices include long working hours, coercion, restriction of movement, and constant surveillance.
India
- Scale and scope: India has one of the highest numbers of people in modern slavery, with estimates ranging from 8 to 18 million.
- Statistics: The Global Slavery Index (2018) estimated that 18.3 million people in India live in conditions of modern slavery, which includes forced labor.
- Violations: Common issues include debt bondage, physical and psychological abuse, and lack of legal protection.
Middle East
Qatar
- Scale and scope: Qatar has faced significant scrutiny for its labor practices, especially in the context of preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
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Description
Many migrant workers in the electronics sector face forced labour conditions, including passport confiscation, long working hours, and poor living conditions. Workers from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Indonesia are particularly vulnerable.