Immigration & No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)
Are you experiencing domestic abuse but are unsure of what to do about your immigration status?
Different immigration rules apply depending upon the immigration status of migrant women. We assist women in accordance with their immigration status and help them to obtain legal advice.
Where the relationship breaks down as a consequence of domestic abuse, migrant women may be able to regulate their immigration status and apply for leave to remain as a victim of domestic abuse.
What is the Migrant of Domestic Abuse Concession (MVDAC)
The Migrant of Domestic Abuse Concession (MVDAC) was introduced by the Home Office and provides temporary permission to stay in the UK and access public funds for those who are victims of domestic abuse. This concession allows women to leave an abusive relationship and seek safety and support.
To apply, you must have had permission to be in the UK as a partner, and your relationship must have broken down due to domestic abuse. The application process involves submitting relevant documentation to demonstrate eligibility.
To apply for an MVDAC you must show that:
You were last granted permission as a partner of someone who is either British, settled, an European Economic Area (EEA) national (including if you were granted pre-settled status as a spouse or partner of a relevant EEA national or British national0, a refugee, a member of HM Armed Forced, or a person with permission to enter the UK on a work and economic route, student or graduate route.
If successful, your MVDAC will:
- Grant you three months permission to live in the UK
- Allow access to public benefits and the right to work
- Inform the Home Office about your relationship breakdown
- Cancel your last permission as a partner (if it is still valid)
This only lasts for three months so it is important that you make a further application to remain in the UK before the MVDAC expires. Otherwise, you will risk becoming an overstayer and will be expected to leave the UK.
Being granted an MVDAC does not mean you are necessarily eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain as a victim of domestic abuse.
Before applying for the MVDAC it is important to speak to a legal advisor about your options.
No Recouse to Public Funds (NRPF)
No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) is an immigration restriction applied to people living in the UK, which prevents them from accessing welfare benefits and support, such as Universal Credit. The restriction applies to people from outside the EEA who need leave to remain in the UK, but do not have it. Migrants in the UK on visas, illegally or seeking asylum are usually ineligible for most social welfare benefits and public housing.
We support migrant women experiencing domestic abuse who are subject to immigration control. It is our experience that migrant women are unaware that their immigration status is precarious until after they have fled the abusive relationship.
Women subject to immigration control have NRPF whereby they cannot access housing accommodation and welfare benefits. This exacerbates the difficulties abused migrant women experience leaving them isolated and marginalised.
