The UK has enacted new measures to speed up the deportation of foreign criminals, cracking down on people who have sought protection as alleged victims of "modern slavery."

The measures, taking effect under a new Nationality and Borders Act, mean that Home Office caseworkers can in future demand evidence of modern slavery (such as from a police officer or charity worker who has helped the victim in the past), rather than accepting a personal testimony.

"It is totally unfair that genuine victims of modern slavery may be left waiting longer to receive the protections they need due to the flagrant abuse of the system," Home Secretary Suella Braverman said in a statement on Monday (January 30).

"The changes coming into force will mean if you've committed an offence, we have the power to refuse your protections and kick you out of our country," Braverman said.

"We must stop people exploiting our immigration and asylum laws… I am personally determined to crack down on those abusing the generosity of the British public and taking our country for a ride," she added.

Britain's Home Office passed the measures, citing the case of a convicted rapist who appealed against a decision by the interior ministry to expel him, by claiming he was a victim of a criminal network engaged in human trafficking.

According to the Home Office, the man received bail pending the appeal, committed another rape, and remains in the UK.

National crime agency claims NRM manipulation

In November 2022, the UK's National Crime Agency said in a report that Albanian crime groups in particular were manipulating the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) (which is being reformed under the new act).

The report claimed Albanian migrants have been trained to say they are victims of modern-day slavery when caught by authorities while working in criminal enterprises like cannabis farms so that they can apply to the NRM – which helps refer them to government agencies to receive support. 

Rights groups, however, have criticized the British government's new measures for compromising protections for genuine victims of modern slavery. 

With AFP