Uncertain or irregular immigration status is a known barrier to reporting abuse and a method of control used by exploiters.
This is according to an August 2017 position paper from the Exploitation Advisory Group.
This paper explores the impact of Brexit on workers’ vulnerability to labour exploitation. It also sets out how migrant worker vulnerability to exploitation has been affected by the outcome of the UK referendum.
The paper recommends that the government:
- Ensures immigration officials receive mandatory in-depth training on identifying human trafficking and modern slavery
- Ensures EU workers have access to affordable, regulated immigration information and advice
- Ensures that potential trafficking victims have early and easy access to legal assistance on immigration matters.