The UK Home Office has activated protections that let recognised victims of modern slavery who hold Skilled-Worker visas switch employers for the remainder of their visa term without jeopardising immigration status. Announced on 9 October and reported on 12 October, the change removes the fear of instant visa curtailment—a barrier that previously trapped workers in exploitative conditions. Indian nationals represent the second-largest cohort under the Skilled-Worker route; charities estimate that hundreds may be in coercive situations ranging from withheld passports to underpayment. Under the new policy, once the UK’s Single Competent Authority issues a “positive conclusive grounds” decision, the migrant can start new lawful work immediately and later apply for visa extension or settlement in the usual way. For global-mobility managers, the rule clarifies duty-of-care obligations: UK host entities must ensure ethical supply-chain recruitment, while Indian talent deployed via third-party vendors gain an escape valve if abuses arise. Law firms advise documenting recruitment fees, retaining payslips and facilitating confidential reporting channels to demonstrate compliance during Home Office audits. Longer term, the policy may spur other destination countries to integrate anti-exploitation safeguards into work-visa systems—an area of growing ESG scrutiny by multinational boards.
Source: Hindustan Times
