The United Kingdom (UK) government has announced changes to its immigration rules that will give greater work flexibility to certain Skilled Worker visa holders who have been recognized as victims of modern slavery.
Under the new rules, Skilled Workers who have been referred to the UK’s National Referral Mechanism (NRM) and received a positive Conclusive Grounds decision during their most recent period of immigration permission may have their work conditions amended.
Once their conditions are changed, eligible workers will be able to work outside the job for which they were originally sponsored. This can include working for another employer, becoming self-employed, or carrying out voluntary work for the remaining period of their existing immigration permission.
However, they will still not be permitted to work as professional sportspersons or sports coaches.
The measure is aimed at Skilled Worker visa holders who entered the UK legally but were later subjected to exploitation. Under the current sponsorship system, Skilled Workers are generally tied to the job and employer linked to their visa, which can make it difficult for exploited workers to leave their employment while continuing to work legally.
The UK government said the change is designed to reduce the risk of further exploitation and encourage victims to report abuse earlier.
At the same time, authorities have increased action against employers accused of misusing the sponsorship system. UK Visas and Immigration has revoked more than 7,500 sponsor licenses, including 1,800 in the care sector.
The new provision will not apply to all Skilled Worker visa holders. It is limited to workers who have been referred to the NRM and received a positive Conclusive Grounds decision during their latest period of immigration permission.
The new Skilled Worker provision will take effect on October 8, 2026.
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