The UK Home Office has announced a new policy allowing Skilled Worker visa holders recognised as victims of modern slavery to leave abusive employers without losing their immigration status.
The policy, which takes effect on Thursday, September 3, 2026, allows workers who receive a positive Conclusive Grounds decision confirming that they are victims of modern slavery to work for another employer for the remainder of their existing visa.
However, the reform ended a sponsorship restriction that tied migrant workers’ immigration status to a specific employer, leaving some workers vulnerable to exploitation because quitting an abusive job could put their right to remain in the UK at risk.
The change is expected to benefit care workers, chefs, hospitality staff and other migrant workers employed through the Skilled Worker route.
Campaigners have raised concerns that some employers exploited the sponsorship system to underpay workers, impose excessive working hours and subject employees to precarious conditions.
Maj Heather Grinsted of the Salvation Army said the change would help survivors rebuild their lives safely and with dignity.
Work Rights Centre CEO Dr Dora-Olivia Vicol described the reform as a potential gamechanger but warned that its success would depend on how accessible the modern slavery protection system is to victims.
Migration and Citizenship Minister Jo White said: “No victim of modern slavery should be trapped with an exploitative employer because of their immigration status.”
The announcement comes amid increased scrutiny of the UK’s sponsored work visa system, with more than 6,600 sponsors reportedly losing their licences since Labour came to power. More than 4,400 reportedly lost their licences in the year to June 2026, representing a 140 per cent increase from the previous year.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
