UK eases visa rules for foreign workers trapped with exploitative employers
The UK government has announced new visa changes to support Zimbabwean and other foreign workers in care, catering and hospitality who are stuck with abusive employers.
Under current rules, a worker’s right to remain in the UK is linked to one sponsoring employer. If they lose that job and can’t find another sponsor quickly, they risk deportation. Many of these workers also have “no access to public funds.”
The Home Office said from Thursday, victims of modern slavery on Skilled Worker visas will be allowed to work for any employer for the rest of their visa period.
“No victim of modern slavery should be forced to stay with an abusive boss because of their immigration status,” the Home Office stated.
The new rule means recognised victims can leave bad employers without fear of losing their legal status. Some had been underpaid, forced into long hours, or placed on zero-hours contracts.
The exemption will apply once a person gets a positive “conclusive grounds” decision through the National Referral Mechanism. This is the UK system used to identify and assist victims of modern slavery and trafficking.
Modern slavery includes poor living and working conditions, unpaid wages, threats, violence, restricted movement, and having passports taken away.
Ministers said the change will protect care workers, chefs, hospitality staff and others who came to the UK in good faith but were mistreated.
If evidence of criminal activity is found, sponsors will be reported to police.
