23/09/2026
From 8 October 2026, some Skilled Worker visa holders who have been formally recognised as victims of modern slavery may be allowed to work without the usual sponsorship restrictions.
Normally, a Skilled Worker visa is closely tied to a sponsored role. Under the new rules, eligible workers may be able to:
• work for another employer
• be self-employed
• take voluntary work
without being restricted to their original sponsored job.
Who could qualify?
This is not a general change for all Skilled Workers. It is aimed at people who hold Skilled Worker permission and have received a positive Conclusive Grounds decision through the National Referral Mechanism during their current period of permission.
Why is this important?
For someone experiencing serious exploitation, leaving an employer can be extremely difficult when their immigration status depends on that job. This change could give recognised victims much more freedom to leave an exploitative situation and work elsewhere.
However, the details still matter. There are still questions around how the Home Office will apply the change in practice, whether action will be required from the visa holder, and what happens in cases where permission has already been curtailed.
It is also important to remember that this change does not currently remove the usual Skilled Worker sponsorship and salary requirements for settlement.
If you are on a Skilled Worker visa and are concerned about exploitation, sponsorship or changes to your employment, getting advice early can make a real difference.
📩 Contact LS Legal for tailored immigration advice.
This post is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
