Human Trafficking Referrals in the UK Reach Record Highs

The latest statistics for the National Referral Mechanism show that modern slavery and human trafficking referrals reached a record high in the year ending June 2026, with 25,373 total cases. The period between April and June saw 6,954 referrals, marking a quarterly record. While the majority of these reports come from government agencies, labour exploitation remains the most frequent form of abuse recorded. For those living in the UK, these figures highlight a growing tension as the government advances the Immigration and Asylum Bill, which proposes stricter credibility tests for victims. Although officials suggest the system is susceptible to misuse, official data indicates that bad-faith disqualifications account for roughly one in every 3,800 referrals. Furthermore, for the first time since 2022, the backlog of cases awaiting a conclusive decision has increased, reaching 5,656 by the end of June. Waiting times for these final decisions have also risen, despite a government pledge to clear the backlog by December 2026. The legislation aims to make the process more rigorous, yet advocates warn that this could negatively impact victims who struggle to provide full evidence immediately due to trauma or fear. Recent changes offering skilled worker visa holders more flexibility after a positive decision represent a positive shift for those suffering from exploitation. However, the efficacy of this support relies heavily on the Home Office's ability to process claims efficiently. The current rise in delays and the focus on stricter credibility criteria create significant uncertainty for individuals seeking protection, as information revealed during the recovery process could potentially be used to discredit their claims under the proposed legislative changes.

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Kaynak: Free Movement — https://freemovement.org.uk/trafficking-referrals-increase-targets-misuse/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=trafficking-referrals-increase-targets-misuse