EXCLUSIVE: Shabana Mahmood faces calls to scrap plans to narrow the grounds for trafficking survivors to remain temporarily in the UK – which campaigners say leaves them vulnerable to more exploitation
Shabana Mahmood faces urgent calls to scrap plans that campaigners warn will strip vital protections from trafficking survivors.
Experts warn vulnerable survivors will be at risk of further exploitation if the Home Secretary removes a route to temporary permission to stay. Charity the Helen Bamber Foundation – which supports victims of torture, trafficking and extreme cruelty – said the government must tear up sections of the Immigration and Asylum Bill, which is making its way through Parliament.
This takes away the legal right for trafficking victims to stay temporarily in the UK in order to help them recover from harm caused by exploitation. Data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act reveals that 524 of 572 temporary protection grants were made to support survivors’ recovery last year.
Kamena Dorling, the foundation’s director of policy, told The Mirror: “Removing this vital protection risks leaving survivors more vulnerable to further exploitation and abuse by criminals.
“Recognition as a victim should be a meaningful step towards safety and recovery, not the start of another period of uncertainty. Survivors need a genuine opportunity to access psychological and medical treatment, rebuild their lives and feel secure without the constant fear of removal. If the UK is serious about tackling human trafficking, it must take a survivor-focused approach.”
Under the government’s new plan, victims will be allowed to stay in the UK in order to help criminal investigations into trafficking or to pursue compensation. But supporting their recovery – which is not a requirement in international law – will no longer be a valid reason.
Green Party MP Sian Berry told a committee examining the bill this week: “Forcibly returning more survivors of trafficking to their countries risks disrupting existing therapy and support, leaving them unable to obtain specialist care and putting them at further risk on return, including of re-trafficking.
“We must remember the purpose of survivors securing limited leave and, as I propose, long-term immigration status. It provides victims with the security necessary to engage meaningfully with recovery, protection and support processes and to rebuild their lives free from the influence of traffickers.”
The Helen Bamber Foundation said one survivor it supports, Muhamet, has been recognised as a victim – but despite support from two medical experts, has not been granted the right to be in the country. The charity said: “Without secure status, the uncertainty and delays have taken a significant toll on Muhamet’s mental health. Rather than being able to focus on recovery, he continues to face the consequences of prolonged insecurity.
“His case highlights how even formal recognition as a victim of trafficking does not guarantee the stability survivors need to begin rebuilding their lives.”
The Home Office insists that its measures are designed to strengthen protections. It said its support is not dependent on a grant of temporary permission to stay.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “Modern slavery is a horrific crime, and we are committed to tackling it in all its forms. Across the system, the Government is simplifying and strengthening protection and immigration routes, ensuring they are clear, targeted and focused on their intended purpose, while maintaining fairness and public confidence.
“Our Immigration and Asylum Bill will strengthen protections for modern slavery victims and crack down on exploitation, while reducing opportunities for improper use. It will also place greater responsibilities on businesses and give enforcement agencies stronger powers to take action against offenders.”