Westfleisch overhauls hiring after exploitation claims from migrant workers

A scandal over sky-high recruitment fees forces change. Will Westfleisch's new direct-hiring model finally protect vulnerable workers from exploitation?

, and Administrator

2026 May 18 . 4:02 AM

1 min read

The image shows an old newspaper advertisement for a job opportunity to labourers. The paper has... — The image shows an old newspaper advertisement for a job opportunity to labourers. The paper has text written on it, likely providing details about the job opportunity.

Westfleisch overhauls hiring after exploitation claims from migrant workers

Westfleisch, a major German meat processing company, is under scrutiny for its hiring practices. Reports claim workers from Vietnam and India paid large sums to intermediaries for jobs at the firm. The company now plans to change its recruitment approach.

Westfleisch has relied on short-term contracts to hire workers from Asian countries. Many applicants reportedly faced high fees to secure positions. One Vietnamese worker allegedly paid up to €13,000 to an intermediary.

In response, the company has announced plans to open its own recruitment agency in Vietnam. This move aims to remove middlemen and improve transparency. The new system will allow Westfleisch to manage hiring directly. Criticism of the current model has grown, with concerns over fairness and exploitation. The company’s decision follows pressure to address these issues. Workers have long complained about the financial burden of recruitment fees.

The new recruitment agency in Vietnam will handle hiring without third parties. Westfleisch expects this to reduce costs for workers and increase fairness. The change comes after reports of excessive fees and criticism of its labour practices.