UK Eases Visa Rules for Modern Slavery Victims

On September 3, 2023, the UK Home Office announced changes to immigration rules aimed at supporting recognized victims of modern slavery holding Skilled Worker visas. The new regulations will allow these individuals the freedom to leave their sponsoring employers and seek work elsewhere, addressing the issue of immigration status being exploited to keep workers in abusive situations.

The change will take effect on October 8, 2023, and applies to a defined group of modern slavery victims who have received a positive “Conclusive Grounds decision” under the National Referral Mechanism. This decision must be obtained during their most recent immigration permission period.

Once recognized, these workers can engage in any form of employment, including self-employment and voluntary work, although professional sportspersons and sports coaches are excluded from this provision. Importantly, the new rules do not grant a fresh visa or extend the duration of their stay in Britain but modify the conditions of their existing immigration permission.