Several companies are ending their partnerships with the Prison and Probation Service at the Ellebæk Deportation Center following revelations about the center’s work program.

The decision comes after reports highlighted that detained asylum seekers were earning very little money for their labor, which they needed to use the center’s payphone to contact their families.

The work was conducted for private companies through a collaboration with the Prison and Probation Service. The companies paid rates similar to Danish industry standards, but the deportees’ wages were significantly reduced due to deductions for their future deportation costs and alignment with standard prison labor rates. This resulted in hourly wages as low as six kroner.

Stelton, a Danish design company, and San Pellegrino, the Italian water producer owned by Nestlé, are among the companies that have ceased their involvement.

Jens Beyer, director of Premium Acqua, the official distributor of San Pellegrino and Perrier in Denmark, stated they were unaware of the conditions at Ellebæk and have apologized.

Michael Ring, chairman of Stelton, expressed surprise upon learning that a subcontractor had been using inmates to assemble thermos components and affirmed the company would end the practice immediately.

The low wages coupled with a ban on internet and mobile phones have drawn criticism from experts.

The Prison and Probation Service announced it will provide more detailed information about the work program and explore options for residents to have limited access to mobile phones and the internet to allow them to make free calls.