UK’s trafficking survivors are declining government support, fearing deportation and distrusting authorities despite rising risks of exploitation and re-trafficking.
At a Glance
- Nearly 6,000 trafficking victims rejected UK’s National Referral Mechanism (NRM) support last year due to deportation fears
- Only 2% of trafficking victims see their perpetrators prosecuted while many victims risk re-trafficking when returned to their countries
- The NRM has a significant backlog, taking an average of 831 days to process a case
- British Olympic champion Mo Farah’s revelation of being trafficked as a child highlighted systemic issues in UK’s trafficking response
- UK’s “hostile environment” immigration policies have undermined anti-trafficking efforts by conflating victims with illegal immigrants
A System Failing Those It Aims to Protect
The United Kingdom’s support system for trafficking survivors is facing a crisis of trust. Nearly 6,000 trafficking victims declined assistance from the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) last year, primarily due to fears of deportation and distrust of British authorities. This alarming statistic comes as NRM referrals increased to over 19,000 last year, showing that while more victims are being identified, a significant number are rejecting the very system designed to protect them. The reasons for this rejection range from fear of traffickers to reluctance to engage with UK authorities, highlighting deep-rooted issues within the current approach.
The processing backlog within the NRM has reached critical levels, with cases taking an average of 831 days to complete. This means trafficking survivors remain in limbo for more than two years, unable to rebuild their lives while awaiting decisions.
Although the government has appointed 100 new staff members to address this backlog with a goal of clearing it by December 2026, the immediate impact on current victims remains severe. Many survivors find themselves caught between the trauma of their trafficking experience and a bureaucratic system that prolongs their uncertainty.
Olympic Hero Exposes Systemic Failures
The revelation by four-time Olympic gold medalist Mo Farah that he was trafficked to the UK as a child and forced into domestic labor brought unprecedented attention to the country’s trafficking problem. Born in Somaliland as Hussein Abdi Kahin, Farah’s story highlighted how even a national hero had to overcome the trauma of trafficking. While the UK Home Office stated no action would be taken against Farah despite potential citizenship issues, his case is exceptional compared to thousands of other trafficking victims who lack his public profile and accomplishments.
Farah’s case stands in stark contrast to the experience of most trafficking victims in the UK, particularly children. Many child trafficking victims face significant challenges in securing permanent residency, often receiving temporary visas that expire when they turn 18.
This creates a precarious situation where young survivors who have already experienced trauma must navigate complex immigration procedures or risk deportation. While the Home Office claims to support child victims of trafficking, concerns persist about the default recommendation of asylum applications rather than specific protections for trafficking survivors.
Immigration Policies Undermining Protection
The UK’s “hostile environment” strategy, initiated in 2012, has been criticized for conflating trafficking with illegal immigration, creating barriers for victims seeking help. The Nationality and Borders Act has further complicated matters by criminalizing asylum seekers who arrive without documentation and facilitating deportation procedures.
These policies have effectively undermined anti-trafficking efforts by creating a climate where victims fear coming forward. The result is a “culture of distrust” that makes it increasingly difficult for trafficking survivors to be believed and access the protections they need.
“I think it’s incredibly brave [to speak out], because we do live in a hostile environment where the issues of trafficking and smuggling and illegal immigration all get conflated,” said Kate Garbers.
The consequences of this approach are evident in the statistics: only 133 out of 51,193 modern slavery cases reported to the Home Office resulted in compensation applications. Even more concerning, only 2% of victims see their traffickers prosecuted, creating a situation where potentially more victims than perpetrators end up in prison.
Thousands of trafficking victims from countries like Albania and Vietnam have been returned to their home countries, some voluntarily and others through enforcement, with reports indicating that some Albanian victims have been retrafficked after their return.
The Path Forward: Building Trust and Prevention
Addressing the current crisis requires fundamental reforms that separate trafficking victim protections from immigration enforcement. Experts suggest that rebuilding trust is essential, which means creating clear pathways to support that don’t threaten victims with deportation. Prevention strategies must address the root causes of trafficking and exploitation while ensuring that those who have been victimized receive appropriate care and legal status. The current system, stretched and under pressure, fails to provide adequate protections for those who need them most.
“Any child identified as a potential victim of modern slavery or who seeks protection in the UK, will have their case carefully considered and will be given the support they need” said Home Office spokesperson.
While the government’s official position emphasizes support for trafficking victims, the reality experienced by survivors tells a different story. The significant gap between policy statements and practical implementation continues to undermine trust in the system.
Until the UK addresses the fundamental contradictions between its anti-trafficking goals and immigration enforcement priorities, vulnerable survivors will continue to reject formal support, leaving them at risk of further exploitation and re-trafficking.
