LEARNING CENTRE
Immigration abuse
What is it?
Immigration abuse is a form of coercive control where someone uses a person’s immigration status to manipulate, threaten, or isolate them. It’s often seen in domestic abuse situations where perpetrators take advantage of a victim’s fear of being deported or their inability to access public funds, safe accommodation and support services.
Immigration abuse is a migrant-specific form of abuse and can take many forms, often hidden behind fear and control. Perpetrators may threaten to report someone to the Home Office or police, withhold or destroy important immigration documents, block attempts to apply for legal status or visas when they are the sponsors, and use their immigration status as a justification for controlling or violent behaviour.
Immigration abuse is often part of a pattern of coercive control and domestic abuse rather than an isolated form of abuse.
Some individuals are especially vulnerable to immigration abuse due to their legal or personal circumstances. Individuals at risk include migrants who have insecure or dependent immigration status, those relying on spouse or partner visas, victims of trafficking or forced marriage, people with no recourse to public funds, and survivors of modern slavery or exploitation.
Harms caused by immigration abuse may include:
- Isolation from support networks
- Destitution and homelessness
- Financial abuse
- Vulnerability to exploitation
- Fear of seeking help due to deportation threats
- Worsening mental health, including trauma and suicidal ideation
Reasons may include:
- Perpetrators know how to exploit legal and systemic vulnerabilities
- Victims may be financially or legally dependent on perpetrators
- The abuse is part of an ongoing pattern of coercive control and domestic abuse
- There is a lack of awareness and support from public services
- There are no identification tools available
- Fear of immigration enforcement discourages reporting
In the UK, immigration abuse is recognised as a form of domestic abuse, often involving coercive control, threats around visa status, and financial abuse. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 offers protections that apply to all victims of domestic abuse regardless of immigration status.
Those that are on a spousal visa can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if their relationship ends due to abuse. The government introduced a Migrant Victims Domestic Abuse Concession (MVDAC) allowing vulnerable migrants to access housing and public support while seeking longer-term immigration solutions. However, many victims still face restrictions, limiting their access to support services and increasing dependence on abusive partners.
It is essential that victims get legal advice before any applications are made.
Warning signs can include:
- Fear of authorities or reluctance to seek support
- Lack of access to immigration documents
- Not knowing their own immigration status
- Isolation from friends or community
- Signs of coercive control or financial dependence
- Statements indicating fear of leaving or being deported
What can we do?
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger
If someone is at risk of immigration abuse it is essential to link them with specialist support services, legal advice and advocacy groups. Offer non-judgmental emotional support and keep accurate records and use professional curiosity when asking questions.
Specialist support services for immigration abuse
Support is available for anyone experiencing immigration abuse, as well as those who are worried for someone they know.
Southall Black Sisters – can provide emergency support to women on return to the UK. You can call their helpline on 020 8571 9595 between 9am and 5pm Monday – Friday or email info@southallblacksisters.co.uk
Muslim Women’s Network – you can call their helpline on 0800 999 5786 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday, email info@mwnhelpline.co.uk, text 07415 206 936, or web chat via their website https://mwnhelpline.co.uk/
Karma Nirvana – you can call their helpline on 0800 5999 247 between 9am and 5pm Monday – Friday
Rights of Women (legal advice) – you can call the following helplines depending on your needs and an interpretation service is also available:
- Family Law Advice (Tuesday-Thursday 7-9pm, Friday 12-2pm) 020 7251 6577
- Criminal Law Advice (Tuesday 10am-12, Thursday 7-9pm) 020 7251 8887
- Immigration and Asylum Law Advice (Monday and Thursday 10-12 and 2-4pm) 020 7490 7689