Icelandic police highlight human trafficking and labor exploitation challenges in construction sector

It is challenging to be aware of human trafficking and labor exploitation without being able to respond effectively, according to the team leader of the police department in the capital region. Contractors strive to monitor staffing agencies, but oversight on housing conditions remains insufficient. Hildur Sunna Pálmadóttir, the team leader of the prosecution unit at the Reykjavík police, highlighted that human trafficking and labor exploitation are prevalent in Iceland, particularly in the construction sector. However, financial constraints hinder the ability to address these issues.

Pálmadóttir notes that securing convictions in these cases is difficult, as gathering evidence can be challenging, and sometimes such evidence is unavailable. Victims may also hesitate to provide testimonies, complicating matters even further. The investigative unit for human trafficking consists of only three officers, and Pálmadóttir emphasizes the need for an additional six staff members to handle cases effectively, which requires state support.

In recent actions, the police have investigated four potential human trafficking cases this year and continue to work diligently to combat ongoing misconduct. However, the police lack the authority to impose fines in instances of labor trafficking or exploitation, only being able to do so in cases related to prostitution.

On the other hand, the contractor company Eykt has reported a positive experience working with staffing agencies. The company has provisions for chain responsibility, allowing them to request wage information from these agencies. Eykt has also ensured that the staffing agencies it uses are registered in Iceland, although there is a recognition that oversight on housing conditions for foreign workers needs improvement.