UK relaxes work visa rules for victims of modern slavery

The United Kingdom has eased immigration rules allowing recognised modern slavery victims on Skilled Worker visas to leave abusive employers and take other jobs without jeopardising their immigration status.

According to PUNCH, the Home Office announced the change saying victims should not remain trapped with exploitative employers because of visa restrictions.

The new provision, effective September 3, permits qualifying workers identified by Home Office Competent Authorities to work for any employer for the remainder of their existing permission.

Previously, Skilled Worker visa holders were restricted to the specific sponsored job attached to their immigration permission.

The government said the exemption would encourage victims to report exploitation earlier and prevent unscrupulous employers from legally weaponising the sponsorship system against vulnerable workers.