This book chapter explores the situation regarding forced labour and possible trafficking in persons in France, based on empirical research. The aim of the research was to identify the circumstances that promote the practice of labour exploitation of Chinese migrants in France.
The chapter is based on a field survey and qualitative studies and research. The field survey included semi-structured interviews with 59 migrants from the Chinese provinces of Zhejiang, Dongbei and Fujian. In addition, interviews with 20 experts in the field of Chinese migration were conducted. According to the authors, this approach enabled them to obtain first-hand information and to compare migrants' accounts, official reports and academic discourse. The purpose of the interviews was to expand the knowledge about the factors that create a situation of vulnerability for Chinese migrant workers, abusive practices used by employers and the different challenges faced by policymakers and law enforcement agencies.
The research found that Chinese migrants reach their destination country by direct flight, by using a visa or a combination of genuine and forged documents and/or via an overland route, which often passes through a number of countries. The journey often lasts many months and involves various means of transport. Most migrants are aware of the risks, but smugglers who have provided efficient service are well known and respected. The research pointed to different organizational relationships, ranging from smuggling by relatives and friends to transportation by internationally operating crime groups. Organizers are involved in all stages of the smuggling process. Sometimes the agreed fee is increased during travel, and migrants may be held in detention en route until their debts have been paid. According to the research, the repayment period for migrants in France is likely to be from three to ten years. However, one of the case studies shows that repayment of debt can take much longer. The research found that all migrants from Zhejiang were in debt. In some cases, the migrants, unable to pay, had to work under exploitive conditions with their wages withheld.
The authors note that Chinese crime gangs are developing in parallel with organized irregular migration in France and that Chinese prostitution increased considerably with the arrival of migrants from Dongbei. Chinese migrants in France experience harsh working conditions. The garment industry, for example, has implemented a system that uses an extremely flexible labour force, which can work up to 20 hours a day to produce goods within a very short time. Employers also adopt strategies to avoid inspections and checks, including moving production into workers' homes. Additionally, a complex system of multiple subcontracts serves to protect employers from labour responsibilities and makes it nearly impossible for law enforcement agents to trace the real employers responsible for exploiting the most vulnerable groups.
The chapter provides first-hand insights on migrant smuggling, despite its focus on forced labour. It makes extensive use of case studies and interview excerpts, which provide valuable insight into the methods of smuggling operations, the financing of the journey and the possible risks while in transit. It also provides information on the sending regions, migrants' motivation to migrate and highlights the vulnerabilities as well as life and work experiences of Chinese irregular migrants in France.
