Key facts
- UK immigration bill includes credibility tests for human trafficking claims.
- Tests may deny recognition to victims with memory loss or delayed reporting.
- Alleged victims of Mohamed Al Fayed fear measures will undermine investigations.
- Critics argue tests prioritize immigration enforcement over survivor safeguarding.
Survivors of sexual violence in the UK could be wrongly denied recognition as victims of human trafficking due to new credibility tests in the immigration and asylum bill, according to Eleanor Lyons, the independent anti-slavery commissioner. Lyons warned that the measures are fundamentally unfair and could lead to more victims, including those allegedly abused by Mohamed Al Fayed, being denied support.
The legislation requires Home Office officials to view delays in reporting, inconsistencies, or similarities in accounts as reasons to doubt a victim's credibility. Lyons highlighted that survivors of sexual violence often suffer memory loss due to trauma and may be reluctant to come forward due to fear of reprisals.
Women who allege they were sexually abused by Al Fayed expressed concern that the new measures would undermine investigations into what they described as his international trafficking network. They noted that many stories are similar due to the same abuser and that reporting was delayed until after his death and Harrods' declaration that NDAs would not be enforced.
The government stated the credibility tests aim to reduce misuse of the National Referral Mechanism and speed up the removal of illegal migrants, asserting the measures are well-balanced with appropriate safeguards. However, anti-slavery charities argue that the focus on immigration enforcement compromises safeguarding and will allow human trafficking to thrive.