The United Kingdom has introduced new work rules that could give eligible Pakistani Skilled Worker visa holders greater freedom to change jobs if they are officially recognized as victims of modern slavery.

Under the new provision, Skilled Workers who were referred to the UK’s National Referral Mechanism (NRM) and received a positive Conclusive Grounds decision during their latest immigration permission can have their work restrictions changed.

Once approved, eligible workers can take up employment outside their originally sponsored role. They may work for another employer, become self-employed or undertake voluntary work for the remainder of their existing immigration permission.

The rules will still prohibit them from working as professional sportspersons or sports coaches.

The change is aimed at protecting migrant workers who entered the UK legally but were later subjected to exploitation. Existing Skilled Worker rules generally link their permission to a specific sponsored job and employer, potentially making it harder for exploited workers to leave abusive employment while maintaining legal work status.

The UK government said the new measure is intended to reduce the risk of further exploitation and encourage victims to report abuse.

Authorities have also stepped up action against employers accused of abusing the sponsorship system. UK Visas and Immigration has revoked more than 7,500 sponsor licences, including 1,800 in the care sector.

The new flexibility will not apply to all Skilled Worker visa holders. It is restricted to workers who meet the NRM and positive Conclusive Grounds requirements during their latest period of immigration permission.

The new provision will come into effect on October 8, 2026.