"UK: Migrant workers must be protected from deception and exploitation say UN experts,"

UN experts* today expressed alarm at the systemic exposure of migrant workers in the UK to protection risks related to deception, exorbitant recruitment fees, debt bondage, undignified living conditions, and potential deportation.

“According to allegations received, migrants are deceived about working and living conditions and the nature of their agreements with employers in the agricultural or care sectors. This is unlawful and highlights the need for urgent reform of the current system governing labour migration, to ensure effective protection of the rights of migrant workers,” the experts said...

While the experts acknowledged the Government’s efforts in revoking the licences of non-compliant employers in the care sector, they expressed deep concern about the lack of safeguards for workers who are left without a job if their employer’s licence is withdrawn. In such circumstances, many are allegedly threatened with deportation, while some of the migrants may be victims of trafficking in persons and other forms of exploitation, requiring assistance, protection, and access to compensation...