Research reveals a troubling trend regarding modern slavery victims in the UK, with many choosing to remain with their exploiters rather than seek government support designed to protect them. This alarming finding, highlighted by the independent anti-slavery commissioner Eleanor Lyons, underscores a system that, according to her, is “deeply broken”. A decade after the introduction of the Modern Slavery Act, the original intent of the legislation is being undermined by fears surrounding immigration enforcement.
Recent studies, including one from Nottingham University’s Rights Lab, show that cases of trafficking victims opting out of support have reached record levels. The report, soon to be published, indicates a staggering increase of over 630% in the number of notifications from potential victims who refuse government help since 2016. From only 762 cases in 2016, this figure soared to 5,598 by 2024. The growing distrust in the system has led many individuals seeking assistance to view the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) as a potential trap that might expose them to immigration enforcement rather than a source of protection.
The detrimental impact of strict immigration policies has resonated deeply among potential victims. According to the research, fear of deportation stands as the primary reason for this hesitation to engage with support services. Such policies, particularly those enacted in 2023, have compounded the challenges faced by victims and have fostered an environment ripe for exploitation. Government return agreements with countries like Albania and Vietnam, which rank high in trafficking statistics, exacerbate this fear, further deterring individuals from coming forward. In the past year, victims of trafficking have even received notices indicating potential deportation to Rwanda, deepening their reluctance to seek help.
Additionally, a second report from the Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre confirms that prosecutions for modern slavery offences remain alarmingly low. Despite the introduction of the Modern Slavery Act, the rate of convictions persists at just 1.8% of potential victims referred to the NRM. This statistic highlights a disconnect between the intended protections of the legislation and the grim reality facing survivors. Alicia Heys, an academic from the University of Hull involved in the study, emphasised that the act was designed to ensure harsh penalties for perpetrators, yet the ongoing low conviction rates paint a worrying picture of failure to deliver justice.
As Lyons noted poignantly, “When fear of deportation outweighs the promise of protection... something is deeply broken.” The paradox of a system meant to safeguard victims but instead driving them back into exploitation calls for immediate reform. The ramifications of this ongoing crisis extend beyond individual lives. The Salvation Army also clarified that a decrease in victims accessing government support services—22% in the past year—indicates that traffickers are becoming more adept at keeping individuals trapped within their grasp.
The perception that modern slavery issues are conflated with immigration control further complicates the situation. Not only do victims hesitate to report their circumstances out of fear, but the stricter eligibility requirements introduced recently have meant fewer individuals qualify as victims. This governmental shift significantly hampers the fight against exploitation, aligning with broader human rights concerns voiced by various experts, charities, and legal authorities.
The recent proposals under the Illegal Migration Bill threaten to further exacerbate these issues. If passed in its current form, the bill could prevent victims from accessing critical support, risking their safety and well-being. Activists and survivors alike have expressed deep concerns over the government’s direction, urging a realignment of priorities towards treating modern slavery as a human rights issue rather than an immigration problem.
In the face of grim statistics and alarming trends, experts and survivors call for urgent reform. The need for a system that genuinely protects victims of modern slavery is more pressing than ever; without it, countless lives remain at risk, trapped in a cycle of exploitation and fear.
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Source: Noah Wire Services