Jo White has highlighted changes allowing recognised victims of modern slavery with Skilled Worker visas to work for another employer, following a Home Office announcement on 9 October.
The migration and citizenship minister said the protection would help victims leave abusive employment. Previously, the conditions attached to a sponsored visa could leave workers dependent on the employer exploiting them.
The changes allow people recognised as victims through the relevant official process to work in any occupation for the remainder of their existing visa permission.
The protection is not an automatic extension of that permission. Nor does it apply simply because someone has made an allegation: recognition through the competent authorities remains necessary.
The policy was announced in Parliament in September. This week’s development is its implementation, rather than a first announcement of the measure.
It changes the employment options available to recognised victims while keeping the distinction between protection from exploitation and the length of their immigration permission.
