Rise in PIOs at risk of modern slavery in UK

Statistics reveal 140 Indian nationals were victims in 2017 ◗ Number of Indian nationals recorded as potential victims of modern day slavery in the UK has increased to 140 last year from 100 in 2016, according to UK government ◗ India features in among 10

The number of Indian nationals recorded as potential victims of modern day slavery in the UK has increased to 140 last year from 100 in 2016, according to the official UK government statistics.

The National Referral Mechanism ( NRM), which records potential victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, released the data for the year 2017.

The data released by the UK’s National Crime Agency ( NCA) on Monday revealed that of the total figure, 25 were victims of domestic servitude, 90 of labour exploitation, 18 of sexual exploitation, and seven fell under the category of “unknown exploitation”.

India featured among the top 10 most vulnerable nations, topped by the UK with 819 victims in 2017, followed by Albania ( 777) and Vietnam ( 739).

“It is our assessment that the increase we are seeing here is driven by an increased awareness and greater reporting of modern slavery and that is to be welcomed,” said NCA director Will Kerr.

“However, it also adds further evidence to our view that the figures almost certainly represent an underestimate of the true scale of slavery and trafficking in the UK,” he added. Overall, the data showed that 5,145 potential victims were submitted to the NRM last year, a 35 per cent increase on 2016, and the most common exploitation type recorded was labour exploitation.

Under the NRM process, potential victims of modern slavery are referred by “first responders” to “competent authorities” such as the NCA Human Trafficking Unit and the UK Home Office, who then consider if the individual is a victim of modern slavery.

First responders include a series of local public bodies and nongovernmental organisations ( NGOs).

As part of UK government reforms introduced in October 2017, the length of time confirmed victims have access to socalled “move- on” support, such as ongoing accommodation, counselling, expert advice and advocacy, was extended from 14 days to 45 days.

This is in addition to the minimum 45 days of support victims already receive before a final decision on their status is reached, increasing the total period to at least 90 days.