UK eases immigration rules for modern slavery victims to change employers

The UK government has modified its immigration rules to permit recognized victims of modern slavery who hold Skilled Worker visas to change employers and work elsewhere without jeopardizing their immigration status. This change, announced by the Home Office on Thursday, aims to prevent victims from being trapped in abusive employment situations due to their immigration status.

According to the Home Office, "No victim of modern slavery should be trapped with an exploitative employer because of their immigration status." The amendment is outlined in the Explanatory Memorandum to the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules: HC 584, published on September 3, 2026. Skilled Worker visas are intended for individuals to work in a specific, sponsored job, and visa holders typically cannot take up other employment without the original sponsorship.

The new rules, however, lift this restriction for recognized victims of modern slavery, allowing them to work for any employer for the remainder of their existing permission. The Home Office emphasizes that this provision is specifically for Skilled Worker visa holders identified as victims of modern slavery by Home Office Competent Authorities.

By making this change, the government aims to encourage victims to report exploitation sooner and prevent exploitation through the sponsorship system. The new provision came into effect on September 3, 2026.