Under the Radar: Labour Exploitation and Forced Labour in Germany

Human trafficking and labor exploitation also occur in Germany – including on construction sites, in agriculture, hotels, private households, and the meat-processing industry. Exploitation often remains hidden because those affected depend on their employer for work, accommodation, or their residence status. In this article, we examine the situation in Germany and explain where the line lies between a violation of labour law, labor exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking, who is particularly at risk, and what support the IRC and its partners provide through the TIES project. The TIES project is co-funded by the European Union.