Exploring the Interface between Asylum, Human Trafficking and/or ‘Modern Slavery’ within a Hostile Environment in the UK

While the drivers and processes of forced migration may overlap for people seeking refuge or experiencing human trafficking, responses are invariably rooted in legislation and policy rather than empirical enquiry. In the UK, tightening of legislation around asylum has, for the past three decades, resulted in a ‘hostile environment’. During this time, a discourse around human trafficking (also referred to as ‘modern slavery’ in the UK) has emerged. This paper looks at asylum and human trafficking in the UK to consider a fractioning of protection and resulting fractioning of support for basic needs and welfare provision, provided through the establishment of parallel systems of support for both populations. This paper explores the distinctions, interface, key points of contact, and disconnects between asylum and trafficking in the UK. It details the trajectory of asylum policy, provides an overview of the pre-history to the hostile environment, the impacts of fractioning refugee protection, and what this means for trust as a result. It is argued that trust is an essential component of UK government policies but that the trajectory of asylum policy from a focus on integration to a culture of hostility runs directly counter to efforts to identify ‘victims’ of ‘modern slavery’.

Exploring the Interface between Asylum, Trafficking and Hostile Environment in the UK

The paper discusses the distinctions, interface, key points of contact, and disconnects between asylum and human trafficking in the UK. The trajectory of asylum legislation and policy over the last three decades has culminated in a 'hostile environment'. The paper details the trajectory of this, its impacts on people seeking refuge from persecution, and a resulting fractioning of protection and welfare provision. It argues that trust is essential for UK government policies but runs counter to efforts to identify victims of modern slavery. The paper also explores the overlaps and disconnections between asylum and human trafficking frameworks.

The research is important because it highlights the need for evidence-based policies and legislation in response to forced migration and human trafficking. The study shows that current policies are often based on political discourse rather than empirical inquiry, resulting in a fragmented approach to protection and support for people in need of asylum or protection from trafficking. This fragmentation creates confusion and mistrust among those in need of protection and support and can lead to vulnerability to exploitation.

Key Takeaways:

1. The UK's asylum policy has shifted from a focus on integration to a culture of hostility, which runs counter to efforts to identify and support victims of modern slavery.

2. The distinctions, interface, key points of contact, and disconnects between asylum and trafficking in the UK need to be better understood to improve the provision of support and protection for those in need.

3. The UK government should reverse hostile policies, focus on creating safe environments for disclosure and identification of trafficked individuals, and prioritize informed consent and trust-building in the asylum process.