The Illegal Migration Bill aims to change the law to put a stop to illegal migration, specifically via “unsafe or illegal routes.” In order to achieve this, the bill outlines two main strategies: anyone in breach of legal migration routes will be removed, either to their home country or a safe country and individuals will also be denied access to both the asylum and the lawful immigration systems and support, including modern slavery referrals.

Patrick Ryan, Chief Executive of Hestia said:

“Last year, only 6% of those who arrived on small boats were referred for support to our modern slavery system. We work with thousands of survivors each year, and we have seen no evidence to suggest that modern slavery support processes are being exploited by individuals seeking asylum in the UK. We need to be tougher on the organised criminals who are exploiting vulnerable people, not on the victims.”

Find out more about the Illegal Migration Bill