The Invisibility of Labour Trafficking in Spain. A Critical Analysis of Cases and Policies

Abstract

One of the most remarkable challenges concerning global migration policies nowadays has to do with impeding the trafficking of migrant workers for the purposes of labour exploitation. This paper aims to examine whether Spain has adequately fulfilled its obligations to prevent and prosecute labour trafficking and protect trafficking victims. To do so, it offers a critical analysis of public policies concerning labour trafficking, contrasting them with case-law and data regarding its implementation in practice. Thus, the most recent available data concerning inspection, investigation and prosecution of labour trafficking cases, as well as the identification and protection of labour trafficking victims in Spain is evaluated here. The results highlight the invisibility of human trafficking victims for the purposes of labour exploitation, partly caused by the lack of measures that specifically address this form of trafficking.