World Immigration News

UK's tougher immigration policy risks trapping victims in modern slavery

Release Date: 2025-02-07
Media: Reuters
Summary: Recent reports in the UK suggest that tougher immigration laws have hindered support for victims of modern slavery. The UK's 2015 Modern Slavery Act strengthened protections for victims, but new immigration rules introduced in 2023 have made it harder for victims to receive help. These rules require victims to provide more proof of exploitation, resulting in a significant increase in rejections for support, with 45% of cases rejected in 2023 compared to 11% in 2022.

Most victims are migrants, often exploited in industries like nail salons, car washes, sex work, and the drug trade. There are concerns that many cases go unnoticed, with an estimated 130,000 victims of modern slavery in the UK. The tightened immigration rules have also led to increased difficulties for foreign nationals seeking support compared to UK citizens. Additionally, fear of deportation has deterred many victims from coming forward.

Charities and experts argue that these stricter rules are making it more difficult to identify and support victims, and that migration policies aimed at reducing illegal immigration may unintentionally worsen the problem.
Tags: UK

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