Asylum seekers are not widely abusing the UK’s modern slavery system, according to a new report from centre-right thinktank Bright Blue, challenging repeated claims by successive home secretaries.
The report finds limited evidence that asylum seekers are making false claims of modern slavery in order to delay removal from the UK, despite frequent assertions by government ministers that the system has been used to block deportations.
Bright Blue’s analysis also suggests that planned reforms to modern slavery rules, announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and expected to be detailed early next year, are unlikely to significantly reduce the number of asylum claims.
However, the authors acknowledge that some misuse does occur and recommend reforms focused on earlier identification of trafficking and slavery, rather than restricting access to the system at later stages.
Ryan Shorthouse, founder and executive chair of Bright Blue, said the belief that the modern slavery referral process is being widely exploited is not supported by the evidence, adding that while abuse may exist, it is not systemic.
The UK’s modern slavery framework was introduced in England and Wales in 2015 under then home secretary Theresa May, creating a formal process to identify potential victims of slavery and human trafficking.
Since then, referrals have increased sharply, rising from just over 3,000 cases in 2015 to more than 19,000 last year. Recent home secretaries have linked this increase to the asylum system, arguing that some claimants seek modern slavery referrals to avoid removal.
Data shows that British nationals are the largest group referred for assessment, followed by people from Albania, Vietnam and Eritrea – nationalities that also feature prominently in asylum applications.
Mahmood has previously criticised what she described as “last-minute” or “vexatious” claims, including a case in which the High Court blocked the removal of an Eritrean man who said he was a victim of trafficking.
Despite these concerns, Bright Blue’s report highlights that asylum seekers cannot self-refer into the modern slavery system. Instead, referrals must be made by authorised third parties, with around 97% submitted by public bodies such as Border Force, police forces, local authorities, and the Home Office itself.
The report found that approximately 90% of those referred were assessed as having reasonable grounds to be considered victims, indicating that most claims are credible. It also notes that being identified as a victim rarely leads to permanent leave to remain, and more commonly results in compensation or temporary permission to stay.
To address misuse, the authors recommend improving training for statutory first responders to identify trafficking earlier. Once early screening is strengthened, they argue that individuals in detention, who will already have been assessed, could be excluded from further referrals.
Responding to the report, a Home Office spokesperson said that referrals under the modern slavery system continue to rise and that reforms are needed to protect vulnerable individuals while preventing misuse. The spokesperson added that the government’s approach aims to reduce illegal migration and limit attempts to obstruct removals.