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

HYNES, Patricia (2022). Exploring the Interface between Asylum, Human Trafficking and/or ‘Modern Slavery’ within a Hostile Environment in the UK. Social Sciences, 11 (6): 246.

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Official URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/11/6/246
Link to published version:: https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci11060246

Abstract

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’.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: asylum; human trafficking; modern slavery; support; protection; hostile environment; integration; identification; trust; mistrust; 16 Studies in Human Society; 18 Law and Legal Studies
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci11060246
SWORD Depositor: Symplectic Elements
Depositing User: Symplectic Elements
Date Deposited: 26 Jul 2022 11:28
Last Modified: 12 Oct 2023 11:01
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/30513

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