Twelve North Koreans are currently awaiting work permits allowing them employment in a Chinese clothing company in Malta, according to local newspaper The Malta Independent.

The DPRK employees are set to begin work in a factory owned by state owned Chinese firm, Leisure Clothing. The firm produces luxury clothes for top European brands like Armani, however is currently being investigated by Maltese police for human trafficking and breaching labour laws.

Despite the charges, a Leisure Clothing spokesperson told the Independent that clearance on the North Korean work permits was “imminent”, and that they would be given a three year employment