Detention Taskforce statement on the creation of the Immigration Enforcement Competent Authority
The Taskforce on Victims of Human Trafficking in Immigration Detention ('Detention Taskforce') is comprised of 13 expert organisations working with, or for, survivors of trafficking. The Taskforce works to ensure no victim of trafficking is detained under immigration powers. HBF Chairs the Taskforce and Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX) is the coordinating organisation.
On the 8th of November 2021 the Home Office created a new body, the Immigration Enforcement Competent Authority (IECA), for the stated purpose of identifying victims of modern slavery. The Detention Taskforce, together with many in the wider modern slavery and human rights sector, is deeply concerned about the serious impact this will have on victims of modern slavery and have produced and signed a statement setting out concerns and calling, at minimum, for a reversal of this measure which was introduced without consultation and is a retrograde step. Having a two-tier identification system will mean that many victims of modern slavery in the UK who lack secure immigration status will not be appropriately identified, protected or supported, and will therefore fear coming forward to the authorities to seek help.
This joint statement sets out the Detention Taskforce's concerns about the serious impact this will have on victims of modern slavery and calls, at minimum, for a reversal of this measure which was introduced without consultation and is a retrograde step.