Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 1 November 2018 to Question 185051 on Legal Aid Scheme: Slavery, whether the specific legal aid provision for victims of modern slavery and human trafficking for immigration advice and representation, including assistance with applications for leave to enter or remain, subject to means and merits, applies to applications for (a) permanent residence, (b) pre-settled status and (c) settled status; and if he will make a statement.

There is specific legal aid provision for victims of modern slavery and human trafficking for immigration advice and representation, including assistance with applications for leave to enter or remain, subject to means and merits testing. This provision will apply to applications made under the EU Settlement Scheme.

For those EU citizens who might need additional help when applying under the scheme, the Home Office has announced a grant scheme for the voluntary and community sector which will help ensure support is available.

The Secretary of State for Justice has no plans to make a statement on this issue.