Netherlands: More than 70 workers, mainly Indian nationals, were allegedly exploited after being brought to the country under a work permit scheme for specialised chefs, according to Dutch authorities and Europol.
Two restaurant owners in the Netherlands have been arrested over allegations of human trafficking, labour exploitation and illegal employment involving more than 70 workers, mainly Indian nationals, authorities said.
The arrests were made on September 18 as part of a coordinated investigation led by the Dutch Labour Inspectorate, with support from law enforcement and labour authorities in Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland, as well as Europol.
According to investigators, the suspects owned eight restaurants belonging to three international Indian restaurant chains. Authorities suspect similar violations may have occurred at restaurants linked to the chains in several other European countries.
The workers had reportedly entered the Netherlands under a former scheme that allowed restaurants to recruit specialised Asian chefs from outside the European Economic Area. More than 70 combined residence and work permits were issued following applications by the three restaurant chains.
However, investigators allege that several workers were not employed as chefs as required under their permits. Instead, they were allegedly made to work as dishwashers, cleaners, waiting staff and restaurant managers.
Authorities also suspect that the workers were underpaid and required to work substantially longer hours than permitted. Some allegedly worked between 60 and 80 hours a week over six or seven days, without receiving additional pay for hours beyond the permitted 38-hour working week. Investigators estimate that the suspects obtained more than €4 million in alleged unlawful financial benefit through the arrangement.
The investigation also uncovered suspected signs of labour exploitation. The workers were allegedly recruited, housed and employed by the suspects and made to perform physically demanding work under poor conditions.
Authorities further suspect that some workers faced financial penalties if they tried to leave before completing their contracts. Investigators also cited alleged pressure on workers’ families in India and threats of violence as methods used to discourage complaints or attempts to leave the jobs.
The Netherlands Labour Inspectorate said the alleged misuse of work permits may also have resulted in workers being unlawfully employed in the country. The investigation is examining whether the suspects knowingly violated the conditions attached to the permits and facilitated illegal employment.
The former Asian Hospitality scheme was introduced to make it easier for businesses in the Asian hospitality sector to recruit specialised chefs from outside the EEA. The scheme was discontinued in 2022, although a transitional arrangement allowed permits to be issued until July 2024.
Authorities carried out 19 inspections across the countries involved, including eight in the Netherlands. The investigation remains ongoing, and Dutch authorities said further arrests could not be ruled out.
