ATLEU has provided a statement in support of a legal challenge to the government’s new proposals to deny UK citizenship to those who arrive here illegally which will impact a large number of survivors of trafficking.

UK law must enable all survivors of trafficking and modern slavery to access rights and justice, irrespective of their immigration status. The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which enters report stage in the House of Commons this week, would do the opposite.

Together with 15 other organisations working on trafficking and modern slavery, we told the government about the particular legal advice crisis facing survivors and the changes needed to solve this crisis.

Members of our Lived Experience Group, ATLEU Changemakers, discussed the problems that need to be fixed to create a more fair, compassionate and efficient system at an event last week hosted by Blackstone Chambers.

As of 20 November, support payments made under the Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract (MSVCC) towards the recovery needs of survivors will no longer be counted against their financial eligibility for legal aid.

Providing the right support and protection to survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery, including long-term leave to remain, is integral to ensuring that they can recover and rebuild their lives and reduce the risk of re-trafficking or further exploitation.

In 2019 a pilot scheme was opened for migrant workers to come to the UK on the ‘Seasonal Worker Visa’ to work in horticulture. We’re part of a coalition calling on the next government to review the Seasonal Worker visa scheme in its entirety.

ATLEU is one of more than 60s NGOs calling for a renewed commitment to ending modern slavery in the UK and around the world.

Our tenth anniversary celebration last month was an inspiring evening of hope and determination, and a chance to reflect on how the past decade can inform our fight for justice in the future. Hear from our Lived Experience Group, Lord McColl and Victoria Marks and Pragna Patel from ATLEU.

ATLEU has brought a legal challenge to the government’s Seasonal Worker Visa Scheme on the grounds that it breaches Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Julia Quecano Casimiro, who entered the UK on a seasonal worker visa, has been issued with an initial decision from the Home Office confirming that there are reasonable grounds for believing she may have been a victim of trafficking.

ATLEU joins over 90 civil society organisations condemning the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill as contrary to the rule of law and an abuse of Parliament’s role.