Jersey's government says it will draw up modern slavery legislation in response to calls from charities and community groups for better protections for migrant workers.
Today's announcement (9 February) comes in response to demands for the next States Assembly to introduce 'robust' measures to tackle exploitation.
Last week, Deputy Philip Ozouf was sentenced to 120 hours community service for illegally employing five Rwandan nationals at his launderette and his home. The case was the first of its kind in Jersey.
It prompted charities Caritas, the Salvation Army and Jersey Community Relations Trust to publicly call for action.
Read: Jersey's next government urged to create laws preventing exploitation of workers
African community groups spoke out about the lack of safeguards for those who shine a light on mistreatment. Lesley Katsande, who spoke on behalf of Friends of Africa Jersey and the Kenyans in Jersey Committee, told Channel 103:
"This case has highlighted systematic gaps in the way visa holders are protected in practice.
"It underscores the need for stronger coordination between immigration enforcement, housing oversight, employment regulation and safeguarding bodies, particularly where power imbalances and dependence on sponsors or employers exist."
Jersey's government has pledged to work with with enforcement agencies, employers, charities and people with lived experience of exploitation to bring forward proposed reforms that will 'focus on preventing exploitation, improving support and protection for victims, and ensuring the authorities have clear powers, safeguards and accountability to tackle modern slavery effectively'.
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said:
“Jersey must always protect the most vulnerable people in our community. Bringing in modern slavery legislation will strengthen our laws, help stop exploitation and make sure victims get the help and support they need.”
Mary Le Hegarat, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, says cases in Jersey may be rare, but even one is too many.
"It is important to stress that legislation is not the only work we can do on this. My team is ensuring policies in this area are fit for purpose and has been working with other departments and organisations to ensure that permit holders who suffer domestic abuse can get support."
She says people can get help and advice from the relaunched International Cultural Centre.
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