Calls for migrant workers to be better protected

Charities and community groups have called for improvements to help migrant workers after deputy Philip Ozouf broke Jersey's immigration law.

Ozouf was sentenced to community service after he employed five Rwandan workers to work in his launderette and home without the legal right to do so.

Speaking for Caritas, Jersey Community Relations Trust and Liberate Jersey, Patrick Lynch said it was imperative the States implemented "thorough, robust and effective" modern slavery legislation.

Reform Jersey has questioned whether Ozouf should continue as a deputy following his sentencing. The BBC has approached Ozouf for comment.

Lynch urged islanders to "finally take seriously the ongoing exploitation of many migrant workers".

He said the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service should set up a Labour Inspection Office.

Lynch added: "We would urge that employees rather than employers hold employment licences to avoid the risk of modern slavery and people trafficking."

Alice Nunn from The Salvation Army said exploitation can "only continue when it is overlooked or ignored" and it caused "deep harm".

She said: "We all have a part to play in noticing the warning signs and speaking up when something does not feel right."

In a joint-statement for Friends of Africa Jersey and the Kenyans in Jersey Committee, Leslie Katsand-Gwatidzo said the groups hoped the legal case would act as "a catalyst for review and reform".

She said the rights, dignity and safety of visa holders should be afforded "the seriousness they require" in law.

Katsand-Gwatidzo said the organisations were "troubled by the absence of robust and successful safeguarding mechanism" for victims, whistleblowers and advocates.

"This case has highlighted systematic gaps in the way visa holders are protected in practice," she added.

On social media, the Jersey Community Relations Trust said it took "immense courage to challenge harm" when a person's immigration status was "insecure and power sits firmly elsewhere".

The trust called for the government to strengthen protections for migrant workers and ensure abuse can be reported without fear of immigration consequences.

"Justice must be about more than compliance, it must be about dignity, accountability and the courage to change what is no longer acceptable," it said.

Following the sentencing, deputy Steve Ahier - chairman of the Privileges and Procedures Committee - said Ozouf would not lose his seat.

However, Reform Jersey said given the "gravity and nature" of the offences, it might not be appropriate for Ozouf to continue serving as a member of the States.

A spokesperson said: "Elected representatives are rightly held to the highest standards of conduct and the public must be able to trust that those entrusted with making the law will themselves respect it.

"This case raises important questions about accountability and about the message sent to migrant workers and to the wider community if those standards are seen to be compromised."

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