Contractors exploit low level embassy staffers

[pscot]

The report, carried out as part of a periodic review of state department operations, found that every contractor in the four countries confiscated workers' passports, despite this being illegal.

The agencies offered investigators several reasons for the practice, including a lack of secure storage space in workers' living areas.

Also, some workers told investigators they had not been paid wages they were owed, and some said they were underpaid relative to the prevailing local wage. Some also said food and maintenance allowances did not cover costs.

Saudi contractors reportedly deducted half of work permit costs from workers' wages, in violation of Saudi employment law, the report said.

In addition, its authors said: "Two-thirds of the housing observed fell within the space parameters of a US minimum security prison cell."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12388750