Let my people go: The government tackles modern day slavery

On 3 September 2026 the UK government announced a change to the Skilled Worker visa rules. For the first time, a worker formally recognised as a victim of modern slavery can leave their abusive employer and work elsewhere without losing their right to remain in the UK.

This matters directly to the tens of thousands of Nigerian, Ghanaian, Zimbabwean and other African workers who came to Britain on Health and Care Worker visas between 2021 and 2025. Many arrived into a system that gave their sponsor legal leverage over their immigration status. Some were underpaid, overworked, threatened, and told they would lose their visa if they complained.

This week on The Black Paper we explain the background, what the new rules actually say, how the National Referral Mechanism works, and what our community needs to know to access this protection.

Important Note on Implementation

The government announced this change on 3 September 2026 but the provisions come into force on staggered dates: 8 October, 29 October and 30 November 2026. If you believe these rules apply to your situation, seek advice before taking action. Contact one of the organisations below or a qualified immigration solicitor.

National Referral Mechanism — Official Government Guidance

The NRM is the government process for identifying victims of modern slavery. You must go through this process to access the new visa protection. The official guidance for adults in England and Wales is at:

gov.uk/government/publications/human-trafficking-victims-referral-and-assessment-forms

If You Need Help Now

•       Modern Slavery Helpline (Unseen UK): 08000 121 700 — free, 24 hours, confidential

•       Migrant Help: 0808 8010 503 — migranthelpuk.org

•       Kalayaan (specialist in migrant worker cases, strong on African worker experience): 020 7243 2942 — kalayaan.org.uk

•       Work Rights Centre: workrightscentre.org

•       Salvation Army: 0300 303 8151 — salvationarmy.org.uk

•       Refugee Council: 020 7346 6700 — refugeecouncil.org.uk

Find The Black Paper

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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the UK visa changes and their significance

02:04 Details of the new visa rule for victims of modern slavery

03:52 Media coverage and public awareness of immigration issues

05:55 Exploitation within the sponsorship system and real-life cases

09:00 Legal processes and support mechanisms for victims

12:14 The role of faith institutions and community organisations

15:03 Challenges and loopholes in the current system

18:08 Statistics on modern slavery cases and vulnerable populations

20:45 The desperation driving exploitation among migrant workers

23:51 Potential abuses and how to protect oneself

26:59 Summary and key takeaways for migrants and advocates