Overview

This bill amends the Modern Slavery Act to improve the protection of overseas domestic workers in the UK who are victims of modern slavery. It focuses on providing them with avenues to change employers, renew their visas, and obtain temporary visas to seek alternative employment if they've experienced exploitation.

Description

Key Provisions

The bill introduces a new clause concerning overseas domestic workers. This clause mandates that immigration rules must allow leave to remain in the UK for overseas domestic workers who have been identified as victims of slavery or human trafficking. This leave will be specifically for working as a domestic worker and will allow them to change employers. The rules may set a minimum leave period of six months. The Secretary of State must also issue guidance to relevant authorities on how to handle cases of potential victims, including a grace period where enforcement action (like deportation) will be suspended if the worker's violation of immigration rules was due to the slavery or trafficking.

Amendments

The Commons disagreed with the Lords' original amendment and proposed alternative amendments. These amendments clarify how the new provisions regarding overseas domestic workers interact with other sections of the Modern Slavery Act. They specify that the new provisions only relate to sections related to Overseas domestic workers, allowing for easier integration with the existing bill structure.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify any new government spending figures. The costs will likely involve increased administrative workload for immigration authorities, processing applications, and providing support to identified victims. The exact financial implications aren't detailed in the provided text.

Groups Affected

• Overseas Domestic Workers: This bill directly impacts overseas domestic workers in the UK. Those identified as victims of modern slavery will gain access to protections such as leave to remain and the ability to change employers.
• Immigration Authorities: These authorities will have increased responsibilities in implementing the new rules, processing applications, and applying the new guidance on enforcement action.
• Employers of Domestic Workers: Employers will need to be aware of and comply with the new rules regarding worker rights and visa renewal processes.

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