Czechia investigates alleged exploitation of Filipino workers

Czech authorities are investigating allegations that some Filipino workers recruited to Czechia were forced to sign agreements requiring them to stay with their employer for two years or pay a CZK 100,000 penalty if they left early. The practice was uncovered by a Czech Radio investigation and reportedly involved workers hired through recruitment agencies under the government's labour migration programme. The State Labour Inspection Office said such arrangements could amount to labour exploitation, while the Ministry of Labour has referred the case to labour inspectors and police. Czechia is seeking to recruit more Filipino workers to help address labour shortages, particularly in healthcare and social services.