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The suspension of refugee family reunion and proposed changes risk cutting off this vital legal path for families and driving refugees toward dangerous routes, such as small-boat crossings. In addition, they will have a devastating impact on the mental health of refugees in the UK. The government has repeatedly stated its commitment to preserving family unity, but these changes will only serve to keep families separated, worsening trauma, increasing isolation and preventing integration.

The Ambassadors for Change are a group of survivors with experience of the UK asylum system who campaign to ensure London is welcoming and fair for other people seeking safety. This briefing provides an overview of the difficulties that people seeking asylum and survivors of trafficking face when trying to access free, quality legal advice and representation, and shares lived experience testimonies. The final section of the document outlines recommendations from the Ambassadors that would help enable those seeking protection to access the legal support they need.

Despite going through a complex two-stage system, in 2024 only 4% of non-British nationals who were confirmed to be victims of trafficking were given permission to stay in the UK on that basis. That’s only 176 out of 4,240 people. Over 4,000 adults were refused permission to stay (known as ‘leave to remain’), despite many needing to do so for their safety and recovery and to assist with the prosecution of their traffickers. The situation is no better for children. The government's claim that people are “misusing” modern slavery and trafficking protections to remain in the UK could not be further from the truth.