Diplomats who exploit domestic staff cannot rely on immunity, says UK supreme court

Judge rules in case of Saudi diplomat who allegedly forced Filipino worker to wear a bell 24 hours a day

The UK's highest court has ruled that diplomats who exploit domestic workers in conditions of modern slavery cannot rely on diplomatic immunity to prevent compensation claims.

Describing exploitation of migrant domestic workers by foreign diplomats as a significant problem", the supreme court ruled by a majority of three to two that exploitation of a domestic worker for profit falls within the commercial activity" exemption to immunity under the diplomatic convention.