“‘Open Secret’: The Growing Scourge of Labour Exploitation in the Western Balkans”

The exploitation of workers – locals as well as migrants – is a growing concern in the Western Balkans. Despite its prevalence, the scourge too often goes unreported and unaddressed…

The Western Balkans is a region of origin, transit and destination for victims…

Recent allegations of labour exploitation underline a growing concern. In March 2024, media revealed that a Chinese company brought foreign workers into Serbia under exploitative contracts; in September 2023, Montenegrin authorities arrested six individuals, including a government official, for exploiting Turkish construction workers; and Taiwanese nationals were coerced into online fraud operations in North Macedonia and Montenegro…

Between 2018 and 2023, authorities in the Western Balkans identified 767 confirmed or potential victims of labour exploitation…

…Albania reported the highest number of victims, Kosovo the least…labour exploitation made up 46 per cent of human trafficking in the region…

The most vulnerable sectors in the Western Balkans are construction, hospitality and textiles.

Workers in these industries face long hours, low pay and dangerous conditions…

The informal economy also fosters exploitative practices…

…the organised nature of labour exploitation is evident through its entrenched presence, which significantly benefits unscrupulous employers…