Care workers, chefs, and other skilled workers in the UK who have been victims of modern slavery will benefit from new visa changes announced by the Home Office. This decision allows these individuals to change employers and continue their visa term, addressing concerns about exploitation under post-Brexit immigration rules.

Background

Under the current system, skilled worker visas are tied to a sponsoring employer. Introduced in 2021 by Boris Johnson’s Conservative government, this scheme aimed to fill labor shortages but left many workers vulnerable. Those who lost their jobs faced the risk of losing their migration status, as they had no recourse to public funds.

Campaigners have long warned that this system was being exploited by unscrupulous employers, leading to underpayment, excessive working hours, and zero-hour contracts. The new changes, effective from Thursday, will lift the restriction tying immigration status to a specific sponsor for individuals recognized as victims of modern slavery.

Key Changes

  • Victims of Modern Slavery: Employees identified as victims through the national referral mechanism will be allowed to work for any employer for the remainder of their visa.
  • Support for Survivors: Maj Heather Grinsted, deputy director of anti-trafficking and modern slavery at the Salvation Army, emphasized the importance of this change, stating, "Allowing survivors to work for another sponsor for the remainder of their visa is a crucial way to help them rebuild their lives safely and with dignity."