The independent anti-slavery commissioner warns that the credibility tests in the UK immigration and asylum bill could deny recognition and support to survivors of sexual violence and potential victims of modern slavery and human trafficking.

Public and corporate responses include a Home Office statement that modern slavery protections will be strengthened, alongside Harrods and Ritz Paris acknowledging the broader investigations and concerns.

Eleanor Lyons notes that trauma-related memory gaps and fear of reprisals mean many survivors may not provide timely or perfectly consistent accounts, risking under-recognition of trafficking experiences, including alleged victims connected to Mohamed Al Fayed.

Holly Johnson and No One Above describe how the new rules could re-victimize survivors and hinder reporting, highlighting patterns of abuse by the same alleged abuser.

The government defends the credibility tests as a way to curb misuse of the National Referral Mechanism and speed up removal of illegal migrants, claiming safeguards protect both survivors and the integrity of decision-making.

Organizations such as Anti-Slavery International and Unseen criticize the reforms for prioritizing immigration enforcement over safeguarding and victim support.

Under the bill, Home Office decision-makers would treat delays, inconsistencies, omissions, or similarities to other claims as signs of disbelief, potentially harming victims’ credibility.

Anti-slavery groups warn the changes could weaken survivor identification and cooperation with police, potentially allowing trafficking to go unchecked.

Survivors and advocates connected to Mohamed Al Fayed’s alleged trafficking network fear the credibility tests would undermine investigations and accountability, especially for women who disclosed exploitation after key events such as the death of Fayed or Harrods-related changes.