Council of Europe Report Highlights Rising Trafficking and Migrant Vulnerabilities in the UK

The Council of Europe's recent report by the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has raised significant concerns about the increase in trafficking victims and the vulnerabilities faced by migrants in the UK. The report, covering the period from 2021 to late 2025, identifies both improvements and ongoing challenges in the UK's approach to tackling human trafficking and protecting vulnerable migrant populations.

Key Takeaways

• The number of potential trafficking victims in the UK has sharply increased, with referrals to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) rising from 12,687 in 2021 to 17,390 in the first nine months of 2025.
• Recent immigration legislation, including the Nationality and Borders Act, has heightened the risks of detention and deportation, potentially deterring migrants from reporting exploitation.
• GRETA calls for improved victim protection, including easier access to legal aid and longer-term residence permits for trafficking victims.
• Asylum seekers, refugees, and irregular migrants face increased vulnerabilities due to insecure legal status and barriers to support.
• The report urges the UK to review the impact of recent immigration laws on trafficking risks and to implement more comprehensive safeguards.

Confirmed Changes and Findings

The GRETA report acknowledges several legislative and policy developments in the UK aimed at combating human trafficking. These include the adoption of the Nationality and Borders Act (NABA) and the Online Safety Act, which introduce changes to victim identification and protection systems. Despite these efforts, the report highlights a significant rise in potential trafficking victims, with the NRM becoming increasingly complex and difficult for victims to navigate without legal aid.

Who is Affected?

The report identifies British nationals as the largest group referred to the NRM, followed by individuals from Eritrea, Vietnam, and Albania. Asylum seekers, refugees, and irregular migrants are particularly vulnerable to trafficking due to insecure legal status and limited access to work and support. The report also notes that recent immigration legislation has increased the standard of proof for asylum claims, reducing approval rates and potentially deterring victims from seeking help.

Requirements and Exceptions

GRETA notes that the criteria for granting residence permits to trafficking victims are narrower than international standards, often excluding those who face deportation. Although victims who receive a positive conclusive grounds decision may be granted up to 30 months leave to remain, the number of permits issued remains low compared to the number of confirmed victims.

Practical Preparation and Next Steps

The report urges the UK to ensure that all eligible trafficking victims receive timely, renewable residence permits and access to legal aid. It also calls for improved early screening for vulnerabilities among asylum seekers and refugees, as well as better accommodation arrangements to prevent exploitation.

Unanswered Questions

While the report provides a comprehensive evaluation of the current situation, it leaves some questions unanswered, such as the specific measures the UK government will take to address the identified gaps in victim protection and legal support. The impact of recent legislative changes on the overall trafficking landscape remains to be fully assessed.

Conclusion

The GRETA report underscores the urgent need for the UK to enhance its efforts in protecting trafficking victims and addressing migrant vulnerabilities. By implementing more comprehensive safeguards and ensuring access to legal aid and support, the UK can better meet international standards and reduce the risks faced by vulnerable populations. For more insights on how these changes might affect skilled workers, visit our Skilled Workers page.