The National Police, in collaboration with work inspectors from the Department of Social Security, have been carrying out a wave of inspections of businesses in various parts of Fuerteventura to identify possible crimes against workers' rights and social security fraud.
As a result of the operation, 12 premises (mostly hospitality) and 10 workers were sanctioned for different irregularities in matters of working illegally, incorrect contracts and contracted hours, and avoiding paying full social security.
These types of crimes are now classed as ‘very serious’ infractions, and so far, the total amount of the sanctions amounts to more than 188,000 euros.
A total of 43 inspections were carried out in different commercial and hospitality premises and a total of 136 people were identified, including managers and workers from the different companies.
The 12 premises being sanctioned had staff working there without the correct paperwork, or inspectors found they were contracted for less hours than they were actually working, which is social security fraud.
The 10 workers were also proposed for sanction for being in Spain in an ‘irregular situation’, i.e. without the correct paperwork, visa, or work permit, and face a fine, deportation back to their country, and a possible ban from entering the EU depending on how long they have been in the islands illegally for.
More inspections in Fuerteventura, and the other islands, are scheduled to take place.
