UK allows modern slavery victims on skilled worker visas to leave abusive employers

The United Kingdom (UK) government has announced a new measure allowing recognised victims of modern slavery on Skilled Worker visas to leave exploitative employers without risking their immigration status.

The move is aimed at protecting vulnerable migrant workers who may previously have felt trapped in abusive workplaces because their right to remain in the UK was tied to their employer.

New protection for vulnerable workers

The UK government department responsible for immigration, passports, crime, policing, homeland security and the protection of vulnerable people made the announcement on Thursday.

In a statement shared on its official platform, the department said no victim of modern slavery should be forced to remain with an exploitative employer because of their immigration status.

It wrote: “No victim of modern slavery should be trapped with an exploitative employer because of their immigration status.

“From today, recognised victims on Skilled Worker visas can leave abusive employers and work elsewhere without risking their immigration status.”

The policy means eligible workers who have been officially recognised as victims of modern slavery can now leave abusive or exploitative employers and seek employment elsewhere.

Previously, concerns about losing immigration status could discourage some migrant workers from reporting exploitation or leaving harmful working conditions.

The latest measure is expected to provide greater protection for foreign workers and make it easier for recognised victims to escape abusive employment situations without fear of immigration consequences.

The UK government said the change reflects its commitment to tackling modern slavery and ensuring vulnerable workers are not forced to choose between their safety and their legal status in the country.