Migrants making false domestic abuse claims to stay in UK, BBC investigation finds
Migrants making false domestic abuse claims to stay in UK, BBC investigation finds
A BBC investigation has uncovered that some migrants are submitting false domestic abuse claims to secure permanent residency in the UK. These individuals are leveraging a policy introduced by government ministers to assist real victims of abuse, bypassing traditional pathways like asylum. Lawyers have raised concerns that insufficient checks by the Home Office are enabling migrants to exploit the system with minimal proof, leaving unsuspecting British partners in turmoil.
The Concession Exploited
The Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession allows temporary visa holders in partnerships with British citizens to apply for indefinite leave to remain. This support is crucial for those who face abuse and are dependent on their partners for daily needs. However, the rapid granting of residency has sparked fears of misuse. In just three years, the number of abuse-based applications has surged by over 50%, reaching more than 5,500 annually.
One example highlights the consequences of these claims. A British mother, who had left her male partner after reporting him for rape, was later accused of domestic abuse by him. She maintains the accusation is fabricated to keep her in the UK. Despite lack of evidence, the false claim has allowed her to avoid returning to Pakistan.
Undercover Revelation
In late February, a BBC undercover reporter met Eli Ciswaka, an immigration adviser based in London. Ciswaka, who operates under the firm Corporate Immigration UK, was contacted by a man from Pakistan. The man claimed he wanted to leave his British wife for his mistress but feared losing his residency. Ciswaka immediately suggested a solution: pretending to be a victim of domestic abuse.
“What evidence are you going to use because she doesn’t hit me or anything so there’s no domestic violence?” our reporter asked. “Orally,” Ciswaka replied. “You two have been having an argument and she’s been telling you things like: ‘Remember, I’m the one who brought you here’ – those kind of things.”
Ciswaka elaborated on his strategy, claiming he would craft a narrative for the Home Office. The reporter, unaware of their role, was led to believe they were a genuine client. This encounter reveals how legal professionals are guiding migrants to exploit the system. The concession, designed to help abuse victims, now appears to be a tool for those seeking to prolong their stay through fabricated stories.
Under current rules, applicants who succeed with the concession gain temporary permission to remain in the UK for three months. This period allows them to access benefits and later apply for indefinite leave to remain, which grants permanent residency. This process is significantly faster than other routes, such as the five-year waiting period for standard visa holders.
Experts warn that the policy’s accessibility has made it vulnerable to abuse. The BBC’s findings underscore growing concerns about the integrity of the immigration system, as false claims continue to disrupt lives and extend stays for those who may not have legitimate grounds for residency.
