UK Government Maintains Ban on Asylum Seekers’ Modern Slavery Protections

The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has confirmed it will continue a ban on asylum seekers claiming protections under modern slavery and human rights laws, Arab News reported. This decision comes despite previous criticisms from ministers regarding such measures.

The ban is part of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill introduced to parliament, aimed at addressing concerns over the rising number of asylum seekers arriving in the UK via small boats.

Starmer faces pressure to manage the influx of migrants, with over 36,000 individuals reported to have arrived by small boats in 2024, marking a significant increase from the previous year. The new legislation will empower police to seize mobile phones from asylum seekers to aid in tracking down people smugglers.

The Labour Party plans to retain elements of legislation enacted by the prior Conservative government, including disqualifying asylum seekers from using modern slavery laws to contest removal decisions and permitting the detention of child asylum seekers for up to 28 days. This stance contrasts with Starmer’s earlier statements, where he warned that denying these protections could undermine safeguards for victims of trafficking.

As immigration remains a top concern for voters, the government’s approach reflects ongoing challenges in addressing both legal and illegal migration in the UK.