EXCLUSIVE: The UK’s anti-slavery commissioner has welcomed new rules coming into force today which allow victims of modern slavery to escape abusive employers without being deported
Campaigners have long warned that draconian visa rules are leading to widespread exploitation(Image: Getty Images)
Modern slavery victims working in the UK will finally be able to escape abusive employers as draconian restrictions are finally lifted.
The UK’s anti-slavery commissioner has voiced her relief that rules forcing victims to stay with exploitative sponsors are being scrapped.
Under new rules, recognised victims of modern slavery on skilled worker visas – such as care workers – will be able to work for any employer for the duration of their stay. The change, which takes effect on Thursday, comes after years of outrage over the power abusive sponsors are able to exert over migrant workers.
In one harrowing case a care worker who paid an agency £20,000 after being promised stable work was forced to hand over £400 a month to keep her visa active. It left her with less than £300 to live on.
The Home Office says there are tens of thousands of similar cases, with employers threatening staff with deportation if they complain.
Eleanor Lyons, the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, told The Mirror: ” I have heard repeatedly from survivors how they became trapped in abusive employment, fearful that leaving could put their livelihood and immigration status at risk. That is why I have consistently called for greater freedom for sponsored workers to leave exploitative employers without jeopardising their immigration status.
“No victim of modern slavery should have to remain with an abusive employer. Giving victims the freedom to leave, find alternative work and support themselves will help remove a significant barrier that can keep people trapped in exploitation.”
Under the change, once a worker is formally recognised as a victim of modern slavery, they will no longer be tied to a specific sponsor. Currently overseas victims who leave abusive employers have no means of earning money, as they have no right to public funds. They also risk losing their right to be in the UK.
Campaigners have long pointed to abuse in the care sector and called for the government to act. In August the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said current visa rules were “grotesque” – warning staff faced bullying, abuse and financial exploitation from employers.
Jo White, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, said: “No one should have to endure the exploitation experienced by victims like this. Today’s changes will give victims the freedom to leave abusive workplaces, rebuild their lives and move on from the trauma of exploitation.
“While we support victims, we are also going after those responsible. Rogue sponsors who exploit workers will face the full force of the law.”
The Home Office told The Mirror that more than 6,600 sponsors have been stripped of their licence to hire overseas workers since Labour won the general election. This is more than in the previous decade. It includes 4,400 in the year to June 2026 – the highest level on record. Employers who exploit overseas staff risk being referred to the police.
Major Heather Grinsted, Salvation Army deputy director for anti trafficking and modern slavery said: “We know from our work with modern slavery survivors that one of the key ways to protect people from future exploitation is to help them regain stability through financial independence.
“Allowing survivors to work for another sponsor for the remainder of their visa is a crucial way to help them rebuild their lives safely and with dignity.
“The Salvation Army also welcomes efforts to crack down on rogue employers whose willingness to exploit people further incentivises criminal gangs to trick, trap and trade vulnerable people for profit.”
