Union Leaders Concerned Over Foreign Workers Exploitation in Election Campaigns

In recent days, union leaders in Mauritius have expressed serious concerns regarding the use of foreign workers in the upcoming general elections. Their apprehension was sparked by the circulation of a viral video that depicts foreign laborers setting up banners near the home of a political candidate, highlighting their involvement in the electoral campaign.

Trade union representatives are urging political parties to refrain from employing any foreign workers during the election period, citing safety risks for these individuals.

Fayzal Ally Beegun, a prominent union member, emphasized the moral obligation to protect the welfare of foreign workers.

“We have no moral right to jeopardize their safety,” he stated, lamenting the ongoing practice in various regions of the country.

Beegun further questioned whether the Prime Minister or the Minister of Labour had authorized these foreign workers to engage in political activities, such as putting up campaign posters or painting road signs in party colors, expressing skepticism that any such directives had been issued.

Adding a note of cynicism, Beegun remarked that many Mauritians are reluctant to take on these tasks during election season.

He pointed out that foreign workers are often unfamiliar with the local context and customs.

Moreover, he raised alarming claims that, on the day of the upcoming elections, November 10, foreign workers would be monitored, with their dormitories allegedly placed under surveillance.

He referenced previous unsubstantiated allegations of foreign workers voting in legislative elections, which have never been verified in court or by international organizations.

Beegun has called upon outgoing Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth to ensure that foreign workers are not utilized to bolster political parties or candidates in the days leading up to the elections.

“We must prevent such occurrences, as they tarnish the country’s image on the international stage,” he asserted, urging foreign laborers to steer clear of Mauritian politics.

Ashvin Gudday, a union negotiator with the Private Sector Employees Union, which is aligned with the General Workers Federation, highlighted the integral role of foreign workers in the Mauritian economy, especially in light of the local talent exodus.

However, he condemned the exploitation and overexploitation that many foreign workers endure in Mauritius.

“They are subjected to difficult conditions, including long working hours and substandard living quarters,” he said, emphasizing that these workers come to Mauritius with hopes of supporting their families back home.

He denounced the manipulation of foreign workers for political ends, noting instances where they are filmed putting up banners or are bused to political events without understanding the local political landscape, rendering them vulnerable to verbal or physical attacks.

Similar to Beegun, Gudday addressed the rumors that surfaced after the last elections, alleging that foreign workers had voted, though he approached such claims with skepticism due to the lack of concrete evidence.

He lamented that foreign workers are often easy targets for exploitation.

Furthermore, Gudday criticized a recent amendment to the Finance Act, which allows certain sectors to recruit foreign labor without adhering to quotas.

He argued that such policies push young Mauritians to emigrate in search of better opportunities.

“Today, you can even hire a worker for as low as Rs 22,500, which is outlandish!” he exclaimed.

Nonetheless, Gudday stressed that his federation is not xenophobic and maintains that all foreign workers deserve respect and fair treatment.

Source: l’Express