UK modern slavery claims reach record numbers as Vietnamese migrants fuel rise

Vietnamese migrants are driving a record surge in potential modern slavery cases in the UK, new Home Office data reveals.

The number of suspected victims referred to authorities reached 4,758 in the three months to September – a 15 per cent increase from the same period last year.

Vietnamese nationals accounted for 11 per cent of all claims, making them the second-largest group after British citizens.

This represents a dramatic fivefold increase in Vietnamese modern slavery claims over three years, rising from fewer than 100 cases.

The surge coincides with Vietnamese migrants becoming the largest group arriving by small boats, with 2,248 crossing the Channel in the first half of this year.

The influx in Vietnamese arrivals has been linked to a new visa agreement between Vietnam and Hungary, making it easier to enter the EU’s Schengen zone.

A shift in migration methods has also occurred following the tragic deaths of 39 Vietnamese migrants in an Essex lorry trailer in 2019.

Tighter security on lorry routes has pushed more migrants towards crossing the Channel in small boats.

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Traditionally, criminal gangs had preferred lorry transport for Vietnamese migrants, as boat arrivals often lead to Border Force detention.

These migrants are typically trafficked into nail bars, cannabis farms, restaurants and the sex trade, according to authorities.

Anti-slavery campaigners report Vietnamese migrants often face substantial debts to smugglers, paying double the usual rate for Channel crossings.

These debts reportedly lead to exploitation in drug, sex or nail-bar trades as migrants struggle to repay smuggling fees.

However, a smuggler known as Thanh recently told the BBC that trafficking claims are often fabricated.

“That’s the way it’s done. [People lie about being trafficked] in order to continue the asylum process safely,” he said.

Most Vietnamese claiming modern slavery status are adults, making up 81 per cent of cases.

This contrasts sharply with British nationals, where 74 per cent of potential victims are children.

Labour exploitation was reported as the most common form among adults, while children faced primarily criminal exploitation.

Women were most frequently subjected to sexual exploitation, accounting for 34 per cent of referrals.

The modern slavery assessment process has become more stringent, with positive decisions falling from 90 per cent to around half under recent government changes.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: “Of course it is vital that victims are identified and safeguarded. But I have seen evidence [of] modern slavery claims, which have a very low threshold for acceptance, being abused to prevent or delay the removal of those with no right to be in the UK.”

The comments come as Channel crossings hit their busiest fortnight of 2024, with 3,197 migrants arriving between October 24 and November 6.