Delays to protection for trafficking survivors raise concerns over UK deportation policy

The UK Home Office has extended a pause on protection decisions for trafficking survivors facing deportation, prompting criticism over increased risks to their safety and human rights.

The Home Office began pausing decisions on whether to grant Temporary Permission to Stay (VTS) to recognised victims of trafficking who have a deportation order, as of 6 February 2025.

This delay was extended on 9 June 2025 to also apply to people in deportation proceedings, even if a deportation order has not yet been made.

This means that if a survivor of human trafficking or modern slavery is facing deportation, the UK government will not decide on their eligibility for VTS until those proceedings are complete.

VTS is a form of short-term protection that enables survivors to remain in the UK while recovering from their experiences.

By pausing decisions for people caught up in the deportation process, the government risks withholding vital protections at a time when survivors are most in need of stability and support.

Postponing protection decisions may expose survivors to further exploitation and unsafe conditions.

Without clarity on their legal status or access to support, people may be returned to countries where they face a high risk of re-trafficking, violence, or lack of medical care and services.

This approach undermines the UK’s obligation to protect survivors of trafficking and modern slavery.

It may also discourage people from coming forward and seeking help, out of fear that doing so could lead to their removal from the country.

The policy change indicates a shift in priorities, with immigration enforcement being actioned ahead of decisions on protections for trafficking survivors.

There are warnings that this may amount to a breach of the UK’s international and domestic human rights obligations.

These include the European Convention on Human Rights and the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.

Walk Free is calling for the Home Office to urgently review this policy.

According to the Home Office, the decision is a temporary pause while it considers its approach, highlighting that the policy is still under review and can be changed.

Ensuring timely access to protection, support, and justice for survivors must be the UK’s priority, not delaying it in favour of immigration action.

The decision to pause VTS assessments during deportation proceedings is a step backward for survivor rights.