Immigration Solicitors

The Home Office is urging global action to end modern slavery – and the trafficking of vulnerable people which fuels the illegal practice.

Minister for Preventing Abuse, Exploitation and Crime Karen Bradley has used a speech at the United Nations (UN) to share lessons of UK leadership in tackling modern slavery with global representatives at the UN.

Ms Bradley pressed global representatives for greater action to end modern slavery – and free tens of millions of victims worldwide.

The UK has introduced monitoring officers from Border Force to increase surveillance at major UK hubs and ports of entry, to try and identify possible victims of human trafficking into the UK, as well as those who transit through UK ports to other EU member states to work in the sex industry or as modern slaves.

Since 2015, the UK has also taken world-leading action through the Modern Slavery Act to ensure convicted slave traders can be imprisoned for life –
and to place a duty on large businesses to report on their global supply chains.

The UK government successfully campaigned to establish the first ever UN target for ending modern slavery – Sustainable Development Goal 8.7 – which was adopted in 2015.

It requires governments to take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour and end modern slavery and human trafficking by 2030.

In 2015, the UK also became the third country in the world to ratify the International Labour Organisation’s forced labour protocol, which commits to end forced labour.

Karen Bradley addressed a joint meeting in New York hosted by the United Nations and Santa Marta group, which brought together representatives from dozens of countries and charities to discuss actions to support that target.

Ms Bradley said:

“We know that right now, across the world, there are tens of millions of our fellow human beings who are enslaved.

“Our law enforcement agencies are increasing the number of perpetrators being brought to justice – and [are] starting to use the new powers they have been granted under the act.

“We are piloting further ways of protecting those who are most vulnerable to being drawn into slavery – and we are trialling ways to improve our system for identifying and supporting victims, so that we can help those who ask for help to recover and thrive.

“In the UK, we are thinking about how we can do more – I encourage everyone in the room and other governments to do the same.”

The UK government is investing £10.5 million in the Work in Freedom programme, which helps to prevent women and girls in the domestic work and garment sectors in South Asia and the Middle East from being trafficked.

Duncan Lewis Immigration Solicitors

Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors are one of the UK’s leading firms of immigration specialists and are able to advise on business immigration and right to work in the UK, as well as visa applications and appeals, student visas, spouse visas and visa overstays.

Duncan Lewis immigration lawyers can also advice on illegal entry to the UK, the Modern Slavery Act – and UK immigration law and the Human Rights Act.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities, including more than 20 offices across London and the southeast.

For expert legal advice on UK immigration law, call Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help with urgent immigration matters and detention under the Immigration Act, call the Duncan Lewis 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.