Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he plans to take steps to review the No Recourse to Public Funds condition for migrants who have suffered from domestic abuse.

Tackling domestic abuse is a key priority for this Government and we are committed to supporting all victims. Anyone who has suffered domestic abuse should be treated as a victim first and foremost, regardless of their immigration status.

The Destitute Domestic Violence Concession (DDVC) already allows for eligible migrant victims to apply for the lifting of the no recourse to public funds condition (NRPF) associated with their leave, enabling the victim to access welfare benefits while their application for indefinite leave to remain as a victim of domestic abuse (DVILR) is made and considered.

To be eligible for DVILR an individual’s last grant of leave must have been on a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner or same sex partner visa in a relationship with a British citizen or settled person. Other cohorts, such as those with refugee leave or the partners of those with pre-settled status via the EU Settlement Scheme, are also eligible to apply for DVILR. Migrant victims of domestic abuse who are subsequently granted DVILR are not subject to NRPF.

In March 2021 we launched the Support for Migrant Victims Scheme. This pilot, run by Southall Black Sisters and their delivery partners and supported with £1.5 million of Government funding, has provided wraparound support services for all migrant victims of domestic abuse with NRPF.