Migrant Workers' Union seeking investigations into suspected human trafficking, unpaid wages and corruption

The Migrant Workers' Union of Serbia has requested that competent institutions investigate reports concerning suspected human trafficking, violations of labor rights, non-payment of wages and potential abuses in the process of issuing work permits to foreign nationals. The Union has also announced an initiative to ratify an international convention on decent work within the platform economy.

In a statement issued following the parliamentary elections in Serbia, the Union calls upon the prosecutor's office, the police and relevant inspectorates to review the submitted documentation, interview key witnesses and take action within their respective jurisdictions. They say that if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that criminal offenses have been committed, they expect legal proceedings to be initiated in accordance with the law.

The Union rejects allegations that migrants were brought to Serbia in an organized manner to vote for the then-ruling administration, asserting that, to their knowledge, no member of the Union cast a vote in the elections. At the same time, they requested an investigation into the conduct of certain employers and other individuals, including circumstances related to their political connections and public activities.

Furthermore, the Union has called for a response from the relevant authorities regarding public statements and campaigns that, in the Union's view, contain elements of incitement to religious, racial, or national hatred and intolerance directed toward migrants and the Roma community. The organization states that concern regarding potential electoral irregularities cannot serve as a justification for the stigmatization of entire groups of people.

The Union has called on the prosecutor's office to investigate reports alleging that certain police officers have been charging fees for the issuance of visas and unified residence and work permits. They have also requested an examination of previous reports concerning suspected human trafficking and other abuses related to the employment and legal status of foreign workers.

Seeking protection for workers against threats of deportation

The Union also highlights instances where, according to their accounts, workers have been threatened with deportation for reporting irregularities or seeking to have their rights upheld. They emphasize the need to establish accountability in cases where workers arrived in Serbia legally but subsequently found themselves in an irregular status due to the actions of their employers or failures within administrative procedures.

They have announced that they will continue to document such cases and provide support to workers to the best of their ability, while also reiterating their application for formal union registration. They have invited both foreign and domestic workers to join them in the struggle for decent working conditions, the payment of wages, and the protection of the right to organize.

Initiative for the rights of workers on digital platforms

Among the planned activities is an initiative urging Serbia to ratify the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 193 on decent work in platform labor, which the Union notes was adopted in 2026, and that its provisions be implemented through domestic legislation.

As they point out, the mere adoption of regulations is not enough. Effective oversight, accountability for employers and digital platforms and the protection of workers against abuse are also essential.

The Migrant Workers' Union of Serbia states that it will continue to demand the equal application of the law and the protection of the rights of all workers, regardless of their citizenship or origin.

Migrant Workers Union of Serbia