Our managing director Philippa Southwell was interviewed on LBC this week to discuss the UK government’s suggestion that the Modern Slavery Act is abused by Albanian nationals to evade deportation.

The Home Office recent report reveals that Albanian was the most common nationality referred to the NRM in Q3 2022. The 1,294 applications made by Albanian nationals during this period account for 28% of all potential victims of trafficking registered in the country – surpassing applications made by UK nationals for the third consecutive quarter.

These figures led the Government to suggest amendments of the Modern Slavery Act to prevent what it identifies as a system abuse. Potential changes include raising the evidential threshold for trafficking claims, and setting up a fast track system for Albanian nationals.

Southwell and Partners provides expert and specialist legal advice on all criminal offences linked to human trafficking and modern slavery, as well as related international, public law and human rights issues.