Human Trafficking
Illegal Migration Bill to become law
The UK Government's 'stop the boats' bill is set to become law after the government defeated last minute attempts to change it.
CARE's particular interest in the legislation relates to the aspects that deal with modern slavery victims. As it stands, the legislation seriously undermines the UK's ability to properly identify and then support genuine modern slavery victims coming into the country.
Under the bill, the Home Secretary is under a new, legal duty to hold and then remove anyone entering the country illegally.
As the bill entered what's called 'ping pong' - where the legislation moves quickly between the Commons and the Lords and last minute changes are made, or rejected - peers rejected attempts to put limits on child detention and modern slavery protections.
The UN released a statement on Tuesday claiming the bill means the UK breaks the UK's obligations under international law.
The UK government must remove anyone arriving illegally either to their home country, if it is safe to do so, or to Rwanda.
But the Court of Appeal last month said the Rwanda plan is unlawful. The UK Government will appeal this decision at the UK Supreme Court.
When the bill was finishing its journey in the Commons, former Prime Minister Theresa May led rebellions over plans to restrict access to the UK asylum system for victims of modern slavery.
She said the legislation "will enable more slave drivers to operate and make money out of human misery."
Commenting on the bill, CARE's James Mildred said:
"We're extremely disappointed that this bill has passed. The fact modern slavery victims will be denied access to the asylum system and will be returned to their home or another 'safe, third country' will put them at risk. It also undermines the modern slavery legislation and will embolden human traffickers."
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