Exploitation: Indian migrants found working, living in dark kitchen in Amsterdam

The Dutch Labor Inspectorate announced on Wednesday that it has launched an investigation into possible labor exploitation of kitchen staff in Weesp, Amsterdam. Three Indian workers are reported to have been employed without the required work permits and were allegedly underpaid in cash.

The inspectorate discovered the workers during an inspection last week in Weesp, a town officially part of Amsterdam since 2022. They were found working under unhygienic conditions in a so-called dark kitchen, a kitchen that prepares meals exclusively for online orders and home delivery.

The workers were even living on the premises, with one person staying in a small storage closet, without sanitary facilities or windows. The working environment was extremely hot and unsuitable for habitation.

This incident is not isolated. Similar abuses were previously discovered at an Indian restaurant chain in the Netherlands, which also operated dark kitchens. In 2023, for example, a mattress was found in a space in Amsterdam, indicating that someone had been living there. This prompted further investigations into possible labor exploitation.

To determine whether labor exploitation has occurred, the investigation will examine, among other things, the identities of the employer and the Indian workers, as well as the working conditions.

The rise of dark kitchens has created new challenges in terms of working conditions and food safety. These kitchens often operate under multiple brand names, making them difficult for inspectors to identify. Shared kitchen spaces can also lead to food safety issues, such as cross-contamination, and there are concerns about the working conditions of the staff.