Femke Halsema has ordered two Indian restaurants in Amsterdam to close for three months following investigations into labor exploitation, human trafficking, and illegal employment by the Dutch Labour Inspectorate (NLA) and the Public Prosecution Service (OM), according to municipal closure orders and reporting by AT5.
Closure of Van Baerlestraat and Weteringschans Restaurants
The affected establishments are located at Van Baerlestraat in Amsterdam Zuid and Weteringschans in the city center. According to the municipal closure orders, employees at both locations worked significantly more hours than permitted, performed duties outside the scope of their residency permits, and received insufficient pay. The closure orders also state that investigators found serious suspicions of labor exploitation, involving the alleged abuse of workers’ vulnerable and dependent positions.
Authorities launch criminal inquiry after regulatory checks
The Dutch Labour Inspectorate and the Public Prosecution Service launched their joint criminal inquiry into human trafficking, human smuggling, and illegal employment after earlier regulatory checks. According to the Public Prosecution Service, prior inspections and the criminal investigation failed to prompt any substantial change in business operations. Authorities stated that this lack of reform left a considerable risk that the alleged criminal behavior would continue.
Did You Know? According to reporting by Het Parool, the owners of the two targeted restaurants were arrested in mid-September on preliminary suspicion of labor exploitation and human smuggling.
Closures halt operations during criminal case
The three-month administrative closures are designed to halt ongoing operations immediately and prevent further labor violations while the criminal case proceeds.
Two Amsterdam restaurants face three-month closure orders
Which restaurants are affected by the closure orders?
The closure orders apply to two Indian restaurants in Amsterdam: one situated on Van Baerlestraat in the Zuid district and another on Weteringschans in the city center, as reported by AT5.
How long will the restaurants remain closed?
Both establishments must remain shut for a mandatory period of three months under the terms of the municipal closure orders issued by the mayor.
Which government bodies investigated the establishments?
The Dutch Labour Inspectorate and the Public Prosecution Service conducted the joint investigation, focusing on human trafficking, human smuggling, and illegal employment.