A  British human rights group has accused Malta and Poland of employing "forced labour" from North Korea.

The two countries are the only EU member states in a global list of countries where firms have allegedly used North Korean workers provided by Pyongyang-sponsored work schemes. 

The European Alliance for Human Rights in North Korea said Malta issued 93 visas to North Korean citizens since March 2013. They are understood to work for a Chinese-owned firm, the group said.

(It is not known whether this is a reference to Leisure Clothing, which was in the news last year for poor working conditions).

800 North Koreans are also believed to be working in Poland in shipyards and orchards.

The EAHRNK, which works with the North Korean diaspora around the world, and which compiled its research in conjunction with local labour organisations in Poland and Malta, said both countries' governments should investigate.

"The European Union has taken an active lead in pushing for greater international accountability and justice for North Korean human rights - but now it must look to its own shores," James Burt, the EAHRNK's research and policy officer told The Daily Telegraph. 

"Forced labour generates hundreds of millions of euros for the North Korean leadership each year and this revenue is, most likely, invested in luxury goods, weapons production, and the maintenance of the most repressive regime on earth."