UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has introduced a new immigration and asylum bill which campaigners describe as “draconian” and one of her own party colleagues calls “performative cruelty”. The bill strips protections for modern slavery survivors while fast-tracking the deportation of families, including children, whose asylum claims have been refused.

The bill also curbs who qualifies for asylum protection, replaces independent appeals judges with government officials and could force successful refugees to repay a considerable debt.

Modern slavery claims under threat

The proposals form part of a broader overhaul of the UK’s asylum system that anti-trafficking advocates have repeatedly warned could increase vulnerability to exploitation by making it harder for survivors to seek help and access protection. Earlier this year, Mahmood changed refugee status from permanent to temporary, with 30 month reviews. Advocates have repeatedly warned this makes it harder for survivors to find long-term employment.

The bill also perpetuates the myth that individuals benefit from making a claim to be a victim of modern slavery leading to “vexatious last-minute claims”. In fact only the UK authorities can determine whether an applicant is a modern slavery victim and so able to access dedicated support.

Under the proposed legislation, protections are limited for trafficking survivors who make “late” claims. But campaigners warn trauma, fear of traffickers and distrust of authorities can delay disclosure, making access to protection more difficult.

Additionally, the bill would disqualify survivors of forced criminal exploitation, such as “county lines”, who have been convicted of crimes while they were exploited.

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