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UK Adjusts Policy on Temporary Permission to Stay for Victims of Human Trafficking and Slavery Regarding Removal to ECAT

🇬🇧 United KingdomAsylum1 recorded versionLast change 27 Aug 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

The Home Office has now stated that: The policy concerning individuals intended for removal to an ECAT and ECHR signatory country is no longer being applied. The Home Office further states that the application of the sections dealing with: -Reconsideration process, and -Requesting an extension to provide new evidence will now be considered on an individual basis. The department says further consideration is being given to additional guidance amendments. What this means in practice: The previous approach effectively identified a particular group of VTS cases based on the country to which the person was intended to be removed. That specific cohort-based policy is no longer being applied. Instead, relevant reconsideration requests and requests for additional time to provide new evidence are to be assessed case by case. This does not mean that every VTS decision now receives a reconsideration automatically. The ordinary guidance continues to provide that an individual may request one reconsideration within 30 calendar days where, for example: -they believe the Immigration Rules or policies were not followed correctly; -they believe the expiry date or purpose of a successful VTS grant is incorrect; or -they have new evidence relevant to the application that was unavailable when the original decision was made. Where a person requests reconsideration based on new information but cannot yet provide that information, the guidance allows them to contact the Competent Authority and request an extension as early as possible.

Overview

The UK Home Office has ceased applying a specific policy under the 'Temporary Permission to Stay considerations for Victims of Human Trafficking or Slavery (v10.0)' guidance. This change, effective from 27 August 2026, means that the 'Reconsideration cohorts' policy for individuals facing removal to countries that are signatories to the European Convention Against Trafficking in Human Beings (ECAT) and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is no longer in effect. Going forward, decisions regarding 'Reconsideration process' and 'Requesting an extension to provide new evidence' will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Confirmed victims of human trafficking or modern slavery considered under the VTS route
  • People with VTS decisions where removal to an ECAT/ECHR signatory country is contemplated
  • People seeking reconsideration of a VTS decision
  • People seeking additional time to provide new evidence relevant to a VTS decision
  • Immigration advisers and solicitors representing modern-slavery victims
  • Home Office caseworkers dealing with VTS applications and reconsiderations
  • Competent Authorities handling modern-slavery cases
  • People with previous Modern Slavery Discretionary Leave whose cases are being considered under the current VTS framework

What changed in the latest version

Before

The old guidance had a specific rule for people who had been granted Temporary Permission to Stay, but whom the authorities intended to remove to a country that had signed both the European Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (ECAT) and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). There was also a specific policy for this group called "Reconsideration cohorts". Under the previous system, the general rules for reconsideration did not apply in the same way to people in this particular group. The guidance stated that the relevant sections on reconsideration did not apply if you had received a VTS decision and the Secretary of State intended to remove you to an ECAT/ECHR signatory country. So, the previous version of the guidance had a specific way of dealing with cases based on the country you were planned to be sent to. Separately, the guidance had already been changed in July 2026 after a court ruling. At that time, the Home Office announced that the policy in the "reconsideration cohorts" section was no longer being used. This makes the update on 27 August particularly important: it officially records another change in how this specific group of people is dealt with and makes the current situation clear.

After

The Home Office has now stated that: The policy concerning individuals intended for removal to an ECAT and ECHR signatory country is no longer being applied. The Home Office further states that the application of the sections dealing with: -Reconsideration process, and -Requesting an extension to provide new evidence will now be considered on an individual basis. The department says further consideration is being given to additional guidance amendments. What this means in practice: The previous approach effectively identified a particular group of VTS cases based on the country to which the person was intended to be removed. That specific cohort-based policy is no longer being applied. Instead, relevant reconsideration requests and requests for additional time to provide new evidence are to be assessed case by case. This does not mean that every VTS decision now receives a reconsideration automatically. The ordinary guidance continues to provide that an individual may request one reconsideration within 30 calendar days where, for example: -they believe the Immigration Rules or policies were not followed correctly; -they believe the expiry date or purpose of a successful VTS grant is incorrect; or -they have new evidence relevant to the application that was unavailable when the original decision was made. Where a person requests reconsideration based on new information but cannot yet provide that information, the guidance allows them to contact the Competent Authority and request an extension as early as possible.

These changes significantly alter how VTS applications and reconsiderations are handled for specific groups. The removal of certain policies and the addition of new guidance on 'Reconsideration' mean that caseworkers must adjust their decision-making criteria, potentially affecting the outcomes for applicants. The continued pause on VTS decisions for individuals under deportation orders indicates ongoing uncertainty for this vulnerable group, delaying their access to protection. Applicants seeking extensions or reconsiderations will encounter updated procedures, making it crucial for them and their representatives to understand the revised guidance to ensure their applications align with current requirements.

Explained simply

Imagine if you applied for something important, and it didn't go your way. This new rule is like getting a clear rulebook for how you can ask them to look at your case again. If you're someone who needs temporary permission to stay in the UK because you've been a victim of human trafficking, and your application was turned down, there's now a clearer way for the people deciding your case to 'reconsider' it. It helps everyone understand the steps better.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v10Effective 18 Sept 2026PublishedMedium impact
    UK Adjusts Policy on Temporary Permission to Stay for Victims of Human Trafficking and Slavery Regarding Removal to ECAT/ECHR Signatory Countries

    The UK Home Office has updated its caseworker guidance for Temporary Permission to Stay for victims of human trafficking and slavery (VTS), effective from 27 August 2026. Key changes include the discontinuation of the policy concerning individuals intended for removal to an ECAT and ECHR signatory country and the policy at the 'reconsideration cohorts' section. Decisions on VTS for individuals subject to deportation orders remain paused until further notice. New guidance on the application of 'Reconsideration' has been added, and amendments have been made to the fee waiver process for VTS extension applications and information on cancellation of stay.

Timeline

  1. Takes effect

    27 Aug 2026

    The policy at section 'Reconsideration cohorts' of 'Temporary Permission to Stay considerations for Victims of Human Trafficking or Slavery (v10.0)' with regards to individuals intended for removal to an ECAT and ECHR signatory country is no longer being applied. The application of sections 'Reconsideration process' and 'Requesting an extension to provide new evidence' will now be considered on an

  2. Announced

    30 Jan 2023

    The UK Home Office has revised its caseworker guidance, 'Temporary permission to stay for victims of human trafficking and slavery', on 27 August 2026. This update specifically discontinues the application of a policy concerning individuals intended for removal to countries that are signatories to both the European Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (ECAT) and the European Co

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