The UK Government has introduced new changes to the Immigration Rules aimed at strengthening protections for Skilled Worker visa holders who become victims of exploitation and modern slavery.
The changes, announced on September 3, 2026, will give recognised victims of modern slavery greater freedom to seek alternative employment without being restricted to their original sponsored occupation for the remainder of their existing visa.
Migration and Citizenship Minister Jo White told Parliament that the measure is intended to reduce the risk of further exploitation and encourage victims to come forward. Under the new arrangements, Skilled Workers who have experienced exploitation will be permitted to take employment in any occupation while their existing visa remains valid.
The Government has also introduced amendments to support the UK’s participation in the Erasmus+ programme. The changes expand the activities that Erasmus+ participants can undertake in Britain, including study placements, training, traineeships and certain sporting activities.
The new rules affect several immigration routes, including the Visitor, Student and Government Authorised Exchange routes.
The 32-page Statement of Changes, known as HC 584, also contains a range of other amendments covering family immigration, settlement and immigration enforcement.
Under changes affecting the Family Returns Process, families will be able to raise claims relating to Article 8 rights, including private and family life, directly with Home Office officials without having to submit a formal application, pay a fee or use a specified form.
The rules governing fee waivers and biometric enrolment have also been amended, including measures designed to prevent repeated or varied applications from being used to frustrate immigration procedures.
Changes to the suitability requirements further clarify circumstances in which applicants may be refused for previously frustrating immigration controls. This includes people who have failed to report for immigration bail or absconded from bail or custody.
The Government has also amended the EU Settlement Scheme rules. Some people holding pre-settled status who no longer meet eligibility requirements may be allowed to remain where removing their status would be disproportionate. Changes have also been made concerning first-time joining family members and evidence required for applications.
For Hong Kong British National (Overseas) applicants, the five-year continuous residence requirement is being removed for eligible dependent children, allowing them to settle alongside their parents when other requirements are satisfied.
The Student route maintenance requirement has also been increased in line with maintenance loans available to domestic students for the 2026/27 academic year.
In addition, the Victim of Domestic Abuse route has been extended to adult dependent children whose relationship with their visa sponsor has broken down because of domestic abuse.
