Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what support his Department provides to young people that were victims of trafficking after they have been returned to their country of origin.

All confirmed victims of modern slavery who have no right to reside in the UK, or who are seeking or have sought asylum, are entitled to use the Voluntary Return Service funded by the Home Office. Individuals will receive a tailored package of support, which can include flights, help with travel documents, medical assistance and financial and reintegration support.

Arrangements for children to be returned to their country of origin, where this is in the best interests of the child, can be made by local authorities who have the legal responsibility for those children. A child’s wishes (for example to be reunited with family) as well as any safeguarding or trafficking risks will be considered in the round as part of the best interest’s decision.

The Home Office is also working with other governments and NGOs to make sure that when victims do decide to return home, they continue to access the support they need to prevent re-trafficking. For example, The Salvation Army has signed an MoU with La Strada Foundation in Poland to facilitate cooperation to support the safe return of Polish victims and their dependents.

The Home Office is also funding support and reintegration assistance to victims of trafficking in Nigeria and Vietnam, which includes support for those returning from the UK, and a similar programme is under development in Albania.