Concerns Raised Over Impact of Govt’s Immigration Reforms on Modern Slavery Victims

The UK Government has come under fire for aspects of its Nationality and Borders Bill, which could cut support available to victims of modern slavery.

In July this year, the Home Secretary Priti Patel introduced the Bill which primarily aims to change immigration rules across the UK.

Some of the clauses in the Bill relate to modern slavery and during Second Reading, CARE worked with MPs on raising concerns about the proposed changes.

After passing Second Reading, the Bill moved to Committee Stage which has only just finished.

Several key amendments were tabled with CARE’s support and during one of the Committee hearings, the Labour front bench spoke in favour of them. Holly Lynch MP said:

Broadly speaking, the proposed Bill will make life harder for genuine victims of modern slavery. The support on offer in the legislation for confirmed victims in England and Wales also falls short of what’s needed.

CARE is supporting Lord McColl’s Modern Slavery (Victim Support) Bill in the House of Lords which would ensure victims had at least 12 months support.

This would include housing, financial assistance, leave to remain and advice as well.

The Bill moves to Report Stage where MPs will have the chance to vote on amendments to the legislation. CARE is planning an email writing campaign to build support for a key amendment which will help protect genuine victims.

To find out more about the challenges posed by the Bill to modern slavery victims, read our dedicated briefing.