The article highlights the tragic story of Satnam Singh, a Punjabi migrant worker in Italy, who died due to a workplace accident on an Italian farm. Singh, like many others, left his home in search of better economic opportunities, only to face exploitation, poor working conditions, and low wages. His death exposes the harsh realities faced by thousands of illegal migrant laborers in Italy, particularly those working in agriculture.

European demand for cheap labor has grown as local workers move to better-paying urban jobs. As a result, illegal employment is high in Italy, especially in agriculture, where gangmasters or "caporali" exploit migrants through Italy's flawed seasonal visa system. Without documentation, these workers face limited options, low pay, and challenging working conditions. In Singh's case, his employer's negligence and lack of immediate medical assistance led to his death, sparking outrage and legal action against the employer’s son.

Italy's anti-gangmaster law aims to combat such exploitation, but labor abuses remain widespread. Experts argue that political influences and systemic issues allow exploitation to persist. New EU laws targeting forced labor in supply chains are expected by 2028, but the effectiveness of these laws in addressing deep-seated exploitation remains uncertain. The stigma surrounding labor exploitation and the strong culture of migration in Punjab continue to drive young Indians to seek work abroad, often at high personal risk, in pursuit of a better life. Despite Singh's tragic end, migration remains a dream for many in his village, underpinned by economic pressures and aspirations for a better future.