Published: October 2024
In October 2024, Transparentem published a new report, “Migrant Workers Still Waiting for Change”, detailing updated information from migrant workers in Mauritius’ garment industry, including continued reports of indicators of forced labor.
This report follows up on a December 2023 report from Transparentem entitled “‘I Came Here with So Many Dreams’: Labor Rights Abuses and the Need for Change in Mauritius’ Apparel Factories”, which detailed workers reporting significant labor abuses, including indicators of forced labor, at four garment factories in Mauritius.
In May 2024, the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) reached out to the 18 garment brands engaged by Transparentem, asking them to address the concerns raised by Transparentem and provide updates on their actions. The latest responses, or lack thereof, from current and past buyers continue to highlight a lack of transparency.
In 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor added garments from Mauritius to its List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor.
Almost one year since the publication of our report, exploitation of migrant workers reportedly remains. Interviews conducted in March-July 2024 include reports of poor living conditions, deception, and intimidation and threats. At the time of publishing, no workers reported having received significant reimbursements for recruitment fees and related costs, although progress has been made to finalize the logistics of partial repayment by three buyers at one of the manufacturers. No other buyers have committed to or made significant repayments at the other manufacturers.
While the government of Mauritius made some changes to its policies and legislation that will improve the lives of migrant workers, it made other changes that were concerning.
Our latest report details how despite bringing our findings to the attention of both corporations and the Mauritian government, meaningful progress has been limited and calls for immediate action to uphold the rights of workers.
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