Migrant fishers


Migrant fishers are being subject to “systematic labour exploitation” because of loopholes in UK immigration rules the government is refusing to close, according to a new briefing from the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF). 


A one-way ticket to labour exploitation, explains how fishing boat owners are using the “totally unsuitable” seafarers’ transit visa to bring migrant workers from outside Europe to the UK and exploit their fears over immigration status. They are made to work long hours — often seven days a week and 16 hours a day – on as little as £3 an hour. 


“Changing the loophole will be a major step in protecting worker rights,” said ITF fisheries specialist Chris Williams.