LABOUR Irregular migrants at higher risk of exploitation, UN report finds In its latest report, the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery recognises that irregular status can leave migrants particularly vulnerable to severe exploitation. Since irregular migrants are generally not able to take up formal employment, they may be more likely to accept exploitative working conditions, and have less access to justice and remedies. The report recommends that displaced persons have access to labour rights and formal work, civil and identity documentation, and confidential complaints mechanisms. In addition, labour inspections should be strengthened while avoiding the criminalisation of workers; victims should receive temporary residence and work permits; trade union rights should be guaranteed and information about these rights should be provided. Finland introduces new permit to tackle exploitation of migrants A new residence permit for migrant workers who experience labour rights violations will come into force on 1 October in Finland. Workers who report labour violations to a competent authority may, depending on their personal circumstances, be eligible for the one-year continuation permit to look for alternative employment, thus preventing people from falling into irregularity due to labour exploitation, enabling workers to file complaints and seek assistance, and providing time for reintegration into the labour market. The permit is not linked to any investigation and can be converted into a normal work permit on finding a job in any sector. Permit holders will also be entitled to family reunification.