The National Referral Mechanism or NRM is a system for identifying people who have been trafficked or victims of modern slavery, and for making sure that these people receive the protection and support that they need.

After a person has been referred by a ‘First responder’ organisation to the NRM, the case will be investigated and a ‘reasonable grounds decision’ will be made by the Home Office. If the reasonable grounds decision is ‘positive’ then the person can get legal aid to help with their case and they will be allowed to stay in the UK for at least another 30 days while the NRM makes more investigations. If the reasonable grounds decision is negative the NRM will close the case and there is no formal appeal.

After a reasonable grounds decision and further investigation, the NRM must then make a ‘conclusive grounds decision‘. If this decision is positive then the person is recognised as having been trafficked, and they may be given 12 months’ leave to remain in the UK. This decision is separate from any decision about asylum although both decisions are made by the Home Office, and the Home Office may use evidence it gathers in relation to both processes for either decision.