The Home Office laid a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 584) on 3 September 2026. As usual with these periodic updates, it moves in more than one direction at once, tightening some routes while easing others.
What changed
- Skilled Worker and modern slavery: Skilled Workers formally identified by a Home Office Competent Authority as victims of modern slavery can now work for any employer for the remainder of their existing permission, rather than being tied to the sponsor named on their visa. This removes a significant practical barrier for workers trying to leave an exploitative employer without losing their immigration status.
- Erasmus+ and the Visitor route: The list of permitted activities under the Visitor route has been expanded so visitors can take part in Erasmus+ workshops, debates, and Skills Competitions, provided the general visitor eligibility requirements are still met.
- EUSS travel permit route: The EU Settlement Scheme travel permit route, which allowed an EUSS status holder to re-enter the UK on a new passport without a physical BRP, is being removed.
Why it matters
The modern slavery change is the one worth watching most closely in practice. Sponsor-tied visas are frequently cited as a reason victims of labour exploitation stay with an abusive employer rather than come forward, since leaving has historically meant losing lawful status too. Decoupling continued permission from the original sponsor removes that particular disincentive, though it does not address every barrier to reporting exploitation.
The EUSS travel permit closure is a tidying-up change rather than a substantive rights change, but anyone relying on the old route to re-enter the UK without a Biometric Residence Permit should check their documents are in order before travelling.
These changes sit alongside a wider, more contested debate: proposals reported in September 2026 would abolish indefinite leave to remain in favour of five-yearly reapplication, and would suspend visa applications from countries that do not agree to migrant return arrangements. Neither of those proposals is currently law, and they are a long way from the incremental rule change described above — but they indicate the direction of political pressure on this area.
Sources: Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 584, GOV.UK; Immigration and Asylum Bill 2026, House of Commons Library.
This is a summary of publicly reported developments, not legal advice. MD Tanvir Shahriar is a Bar course graduate and student member of Lincoln’s Inn; he is not a solicitor or a practising barrister and this article does not create a professional relationship. If a rule change affects your own immigration status, take advice from a qualified, SRA- or BSB-regulated immigration lawyer or an OISC-registered adviser.