The UK’s skilled worker visa system was introduced to fill labor gaps in specific occupations. However, a recent investigation found this visa, along with other UK employment visas, is putting thousands of migrant workers at high risk for labor exploitation and falling into modern slavery. 

Reality of work “descended into a nightmare”  

A skilled worker visa is the main pathway taken by foreign nationals coming legally to work in the UK. This type of visa gives the right to live and work in the UK for five years with a qualifying job offer. After five years , they can apply to settle permanently (technically called “indefinite leave to remain”).  

This was the legal pathway to work taken by Kavin. He had traveled to the UK to work in a convenience store. It was owned by a neighbor his family knew back home. But things changed on his arrival. His sponsor immediately took away his phone, passport and visa after he landed. Forced to work long hours with no breaks and no time off, Kavin’s hopes and dreams turned into dust. 

Kavin told openDemocracy:  

I would cry sometimes, I did everything properly. I came to the UK on my visa. I could not accept that I had done everything properly, only to be in these modern slavery conditions.

At the end of a month of backbreaking labor, Kavin was finally paid £100 ($130 USD). Tellingly, when Kavin spoke to his manager, he threatened to fire him. An action that would mean Kavin lost not only his job, but potentially his right to stay in the UK. Sadly, a recent investigation finds that Kavin is not alone. Further, the exploitation is poised to worsen. 

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