Indian labor officials visited a Foxconn factory near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, this week to investigate allegations that the company has been rejecting married women for iPhone assembly jobs. A five-member team from the federal government’s regional labor department questioned Foxconn executives about their hiring practices, following a Reuters report on the matter, according to regional labor commissioner A. Narasaiah.

The visit took place on July 1, and officials spoke with company directors and human resources personnel. Foxconn, a major Apple supplier, did not immediately respond to requests for comment, nor did Apple address questions regarding the visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government requested detailed reports from state officials and the office of the Regional Chief Labor Commissioner after Reuters' investigation. Officials are gathering information and have asked Foxconn to submit documents including company policies and evidence of compliance with labor laws, especially concerning maternity and retirement benefits. Narasaiah stated that Foxconn denied any discriminatory practices.

Foxconn reported that the factory employs 41,281 people, with 33,360 women, of whom 2,750 (about 8%) are married. However, Foxconn did not specify whether the reported discrimination occurred in iPhone assembly. Labor inspectors interviewed 40 married women at the plant, who did not raise concerns about discrimination.

Currently, there are no plans to question Foxconn’s third-party hiring agents, who play a role in recruiting candidates. The Reuters investigation indicated that Foxconn systematically excluded married women from assembly jobs due to perceived higher family responsibilities, pregnancy, and absenteeism. The report also noted that Foxconn relaxes this practice during high-production periods.