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Peru Reports 393 Forced-Labor Complaints Since 2020 as Government Advances National Policy

Officials warn many cases go unreported, with complaints clustering in Lima/Callao, Puno and Loreto.

Overview

  • The Labor Ministry recorded 393 suspected forced-labor complaints from 2020–2025 and says fear and access barriers likely keep true figures higher.
  • Victims are often recruited through deceptive job offers and then controlled via document retention, debt bondage, threats, excessive hours and restricted movement.
  • Reported cases cut across sectors including Amazonian timber extraction, illegal mining, domestic work, construction, manufacturing and agriculture.
  • Peruvian law punishes forced labor with 6–12 years in prison, up to 25 years in aggravated cases, and SUNAFIL can levy administrative fines of 50–200 UIT.
  • The MTPE is running a multisectoral commission and drafting a national policy to bolster prevention, detection, victim assistance and prosecution, urging reports through SUNAFIL and the 1819 hotline.