US Customs and Border Protection Report - Forced Labor: Preventive Measures Taken

The Minister of Labour, Reza Uteem, addressed the measures taken to respond to allegations of forced labor in the textile industry in Mauritius, following a mention in an American report. The Ministry of Labour has implemented inspections, new regulations, and international cooperation.

During a speech at the National Assembly, Minister Uteem reacted to the list of countries where certain goods are produced using forced labor, as stated in the 2025 report from the U.S. Department of Labor. Negative reports were published in 2023 and 2024 by independent organizations investigating abuses in the Mauritian textile industry, particularly in the Firemount group factories.

These reports highlight violations of workers' rights, including abusive recruitment fees, disrupted or precarious working and living conditions, intimidation, exploitation of vulnerability, and gaps in audits.

Legislation

Reza Uteem stated that he met with the U.S. ambassador shortly after taking office. With support from the International Organization for Migration, his ministry has developed new regulations. The Private Recruitment Agencies Act ensures ethical recruitment of foreign workers. A special unit dedicated to migrants now handles complaints and investigations.

According to the minister, any company facing complaints regarding violations against migrant workers is now prohibited from recruiting new foreign employees. A statement from November 18 indicates that the investigation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is based on information suggesting the presence of forced labor at Firemount Group Ltd. The cited indicators relate to four ILO indicators: abuse of vulnerability, debt bondage, deception, and intimidation.

However, the minister noted that no cases of forced labor involving Firemount Textile have been reported to his ministry in 2025. "Inspections conducted on November 19 and 20 at the La Tour-Kœnig and Saint-Félix factories, including interviews with migrant workers and staff representatives, revealed no evidence of forced labor. A meeting with Firemount's management also allowed the company to reject the accusations," he said.

The Labour Minister added that the CBP is relying on investigations conducted prior to November 2024. Previously, some employers would send workers back before they could testify, but the law now requires that any repatriation decision be reported to the Ministry of Labour.

The Ministry of Labour is collaborating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and MEXA to ensure that Mauritius is removed from the American list as soon as possible.