In recent weeks, law enforcement, border guards, and labour and tax authorities from 32 European countries collaborated to combat labour exploitation. This initiative focused on human trafficking for labour exploitation, especially in the agriculture, gastronomy, and temporary work agency sectors.
The operation prioritized actions against the exploitation of refugees and non-EU nationals, addressing their heightened vulnerability in the labour market.
Led by France and the Netherlands, the joint action was supported by Europol and the European Labour Authority (ELA), demonstrating strong European cooperation.
"This recent edition of the EMPACT Joint Action Days targeted trafficking in human beings for labour exploitation purposes, with a special emphasis on the agricultural sector, gastronomy, and temporary work agencies."
The coordinated effort highlights the significant challenges in tackling labour exploitation and the crucial role of multinational cooperation.
Author's summary: Coordinated action by European authorities led to arrests and victim identification, reinforcing cross-border efforts to fight labour exploitation in vulnerable sectors.