UK Home Office Allows Visa Changes for Slavery Victims

The UK Home Office, alongside Minister for Migration and Citizenship Jo White, announced a significant policy change allowing foreign workers on Skilled Worker visas who are formally recognized as victims of modern slavery to leave abusive employers and seek lawful work for the remainder of their visa period. This change addresses the previous predicament where exploited workers faced the choice of remaining with abusive employers or risking their visa status and income.

The new rules enable workers to leave as soon as they are recognized as victims, facilitating their transition to different employers. Jo White emphasized the government's commitment to protecting victims and pursuing those responsible for exploitation.

The Home Office reported that over 6,600 sponsors have had their licenses revoked since the current government took office, with more than 4,400 revocations occurring in the year ending June 2026, marking a 140% increase from the previous year. Eleanor Lyons, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, and Major Heather Grinsted from the Salvation Army welcomed the policy, highlighting its importance for survivors' financial independence and safety.