Slavery

(asked on 24th January 2018) - View Source

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her Department's notice, entitled Expression of interest in providing legal services to victims of trafficking and modern slavery, published on 14 December 2017, whether the providers of legal services in response to that expression of interest will be required to continue to advise their client up to a (a) National Referral Mechanism Conclusive Grounds decision and (b) any decision regarding a grant, discretionary leave to remain or appeal.


Answered by
Victoria Atkins Portrait
Victoria Atkins
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
This question was answered on 31st January 2018

The expression of interest in providing legal services to victims of modern slavery on immigration matters will be used to increase awareness amongst support providers under the Adult Victim Care Contract of qualified immigration advisers, accredited by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner.

Under the Government funded Adult Victim Care Contract, The Salvation Army provides tailored support and assistance to victims in the NRM including assistance to obtain quality legal advice and accessing translation services, and can include support in travelling to appointments if necessary. Responses to the Expression of Interest will be made available to support providers under the Adult Victim Care Contract to ensure they are aware of qualified immigration advisers that those they are supporting may want to obtain advice from. The arrangements between victims and advisors will be dependent on the individual’s circumstances and reflect their specific needs.

There is no central funding available for those who express an interest in providing this advice to victims. However, legal aid is available to victims of trafficking and modern slavery in accordance with the provisions of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO).

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