Migrant Women Support: Immigration & No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)
If you are concerned about your immigration status or have been threatened by a partner/husband and/or family member(s) on your rights to live in Scotland. Different rules apply depending on your status, and Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid can help you understand your options and access legal advice. When a relationship ends because of domestic abuse, migrant women may be able to change or regularise their immigration status and apply for leave to remain in the UK as a victim of domestic abuse.
Watch the annimation we made with Police Scotland on supporting women who are experiencing domestic abuse and are concerned about their immigration status.
What is the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession (MDAC)?
The Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession (MDAC), introduced by the Home Office, provides temporary permission to stay in the UK and access public funds for those experiencing domestic abuse. This allows women to leave abusive relationships safely and access support.
To apply for MVDAC, you must have previously had permission to be in the UK as a partner, and your relationship must have broken down due to domestic abuse. The application involves providing relevant documents to show you meet the criteria.
Who Can Apply for MVDAC?
You may be eligible if you were last granted permission as a partner of someone who is:
- British or settled in the UK
- An EEA national (including pre-settled status as a spouse/partner of a British or EEA national)
- A refugee
- A member of HM Armed Forces
- On a work, student, or graduate visa
What Does MVDAC Provide?
If your application is successful, MVDAC will:
- Grant three months permission to live in the UK
- Allow access to public benefits and the right to work
- Notify the Home Office about your relationship breakdown
- Cancel your previous partner-based visa (if still valid)
Important: MVDAC lasts only three months. You must make a further application to remain in the UK before it expires, or risk becoming an overstayer.
Being granted MVDAC does not automatically mean you are eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain as a victim of domestic abuse. It is essential to speak to a legal advisor about your options before applying.
No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)
No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) is an immigration restriction that prevents people from accessing welfare benefits, public housing, or support like Universal Credit. NRPF usually applies to:
- People from outside the EEA who require leave to remain but do not yet have it
- Migrants on visas, undocumented migrants, or those seeking asylum
At Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid, we support migrant women experiencing domestic abuse who are subject to immigration control. Many women only realise their immigration status is precarious after fleeing an abusive relationship.
NRPF can make it extremely difficult to leave an abusive situation, as women may be denied access to housing and financial support, leaving them isolated and marginalised.
