Hope at Home, a national charity that supports survivors of modern slavery facing homelessness, is deeply concerned by the provisions of the recently introduced Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. While the government’s commitment to tackling the asylum backlog and repealing parts of the Illegal Migration Act (IMA) is a step forward, we remain apprehensive about the impact of this new Bill on survivors of modern slavery along with the rights of those seeking asylum.
The new Bill includes provisions that could seriously undermine the rights of survivors of trafficking and exploitation. It expands detention powers, reduces the protections available for survivors of modern slavery and introduces policies that automatically consider asylum claims from countries such as Albania, Georgia and India as inadmissible. This not only risks denying vulnerable survivors access to safety and justice but also contradicts the government’s public commitment to protecting human rights and upholding the rule of law.
Helen Hodgson, Operations Director at Hope at Home, says:
“We have grave concerns about the negative impact the Bill will have on the survivors of modern slavery we support as well as those seeking asylum. While it’s vital that we ensure a fair and effective asylum system, the provisions in this Bill could have devastating consequences for some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society. The expansion of detention powers and the criminalisation of individuals crossing the Channel or entering via other supposed illegal routes could leave survivors of human trafficking and exploitation without protection and at a huge risk of re-trafficking.”
Hope at Home acknowledges the need for reform within the asylum system, but we believe that the proposed measures in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, particularly those focused on detaining individuals and limiting the scope for asylum claims, will have a disproportionately harmful effect on vulnerable people, including survivors of modern slavery.
Helen Hodgson continues:
“Many survivors of trafficking and exploitation risk being criminalised for simply seeking safety, and the Bill as it stands could worsen this situation. It’s essential that we move away from a narrative that portrays those seeking refuge as criminals. Instead, we must protect the right to claim asylum and create pathways that allow survivors to rebuild their lives, free from the fear of re-trafficking and further exploitation.”
What’s at Stake?
The Bill introduces measures that will essentially criminalise individuals crossing the Channel or entering via other so-called illegal routes without pre-authorisation. While Hope at Home supports efforts to combat traffickers and smugglers, we are concerned that, under the new Bill, many of those entering the UK may be potential survivors of modern slavery and other forms of exploitation. Without proper protection, these individuals risk being subjected to investigation and prosecution powers, with no guarantee that they will be identified as victims of modern slavery.
A Call for Fair and Humane Treatment
Hope at Home advocates for a fair and humane asylum system that recognises the trauma faced by survivors and provides them with the protection and support they need. We believe that further criminalisation and the removal of protection methods will only increase their vulnerability and force more individuals to rely on dangerous smuggling routes.
Helen Hodgson adds:
“We need a reset on the asylum and immigration debate – one that prioritises the human rights of those fleeing violence, exploitation and persecution. The introduction of this Bill risks leaving survivors without support despite their trauma and undermines the UK’s commitment to upholding international human rights standards. We call on the government to revisit the Bill with a focus on solutions that protect those most in need.”
Hope at Home urges the government to amend the provisions of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill to ensure that survivors of modern slavery and those seeking asylum are protected and supported through legal and safe pathways. We also call for an end to the criminalisation of individuals fleeing slavery and persecution and for a greater focus on international solutions that promote safety and dignity.
How Hope at Home Hosts Help
Hope at Home is calling upon the community to register their interest and learn more about what it’s like to host a survivor of modern slavery. Potential hosts need only to have a spare room and an interest in helping survivors facing homelessness.
“We invite individuals and families in our community to consider hosting,” added Hodgson. “Hosting a survivor of modern slavery is an opportunity to contribute to a world where everyone can live free from exploitation. We provide our full support to our hosts at every stage of their journey.”
Hope at Home welcomes enquiries from potential hosts and encourages those interested to reach out and discover the benefits of hosting survivors of modern slavery. To learn more, register interest, or arrange a chat with a representative from Hope at Home, please contact Helen below.
For Media Inquiries:
Helen Hodgson
