Jersey Proposes Dedicated Modern Slavery Legislation – What’s Happening?

On Feb 9^th, 2026, the Government of Jersey formally confirmed its intention to introduce dedicated modern slavery legislation for the island. However, no drafting timeline has been provided, and some ministers have admitted that capacity constraints delayed progress.

Key Points From the Announcement

1. New law to directly target modern slavery

The government states the new legislation will:

• Prevent exploitation
• Improve support and protection for victims
• Give authorities clearer powers, safeguards, and accountability

These aims have been echoed in parallel media reporting, which notes the reforms will strengthen protections for workers and vulnerable people.

2. Developed through broad consultation

The proposed law will be shaped through “careful and inclusive consultation” with:

• Individuals with lived experience
• Law enforcement
• Employers
• Charities
• Wider community groups

3. Recent exploitation cases have increased pressure for reform

A major context for this legislative push is the recent sentencing of long-serving politician Deputy Philip Ozouf, who received 120 hours of community service for offences involving illegally employing Rwandan workers, conduct that the court said amounted to exploitation.

This case appears to have accelerated political will. Some politicians described the announcement as a “U-turn”, arguing the government had previously shown little appetite for such legislation until pressure mounted.

4. Government position: rare cases, but even one is too many

The Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, Mary Le Hegarat, emphasised:

• Cases of modern slavery in Jersey are rare
• But “even one case of exploitation is one too many”
• New legislation will give clearer enforcement powers and stronger protection for people at risk

5. Broader policy work already underway

Parallel to this legislation, the government is also:

• Reviewing policies affecting vulnerable migrant workers
• Supporting domestic‑abuse victims with work permits
• Relaunching the International Cultural Centre as a public-facing advice hub

6. No formal timeline yet

As of February 2026:

• No drafting timeline has been provided
• Some ministers have admitted that capacity constraints delayed progress

Summary

Jersey is moving toward its first dedicated modern slavery law, aligning its framework more closely with the UK and other jurisdictions. The initiative aims to:

• Prevent exploitation
• Strengthen victim support
• Enhance enforcement capability

The announcement follows sustained pressure, recent legal cases, and concerns from charities and migrant‑worker advocates.

SOURCES

[gov.je] =  https://www.gov.je/news/2026/pages/ModernSlaveryLegislationIntention.aspx

[aol.com] = https://www.aol.com/news/modern-day-slavery-law-pledge-060921108.html?guccounter=1

[yahoo.com] = https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/government-commits-bringing-slavery-law-104351442.html?guccounter=1