Mark Durkan – 2015 Parliamentary Question to the Home Office

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Mark Durkan on 2015-02-20.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what account she took of the recommendations of (a) the Report of the Modern Slavery Bill Evidence Review presented to her on 16 December 2013 and (b) the report from the Joint Committee on the Draft Modern Slavery Bill published on 3 April 2014, HC 1019, when establishing the review of migrant domestic worker arrangements.

Karen Bradley

Both reports were considered carefully when establishing the review of the
Overseas Domestic Worker visa. That is why the review will focus on all aspects
of this visa regime, including the support available to those who are subject
to modern slavery offences whilst holding these visas. The Government is
determined to ensure that our visa regime does not encourage or facilitate
abuse. James Ewins was asked to conduct the review in light of his significant
background in tackling modern slavery, including as specialist adviser to the
pre-legislative scrutiny Committee and as a member of the steering committee
for the Modern Slavery Bill Evidence Review Panel. The Review will report by
the end of July 2015.