Migrants are exploiting a scheme intended to protect victims of domestic abuse by making false allegations in order to remain in the UK, according to a BBC investigation.
The route, designed to support those genuinely fleeing abusive relationships, allows applicants to secure residency far more quickly than through standard immigration channels. But the investigation found that weak checks and limited evidence requirements are leaving the system open to misuse.
Lawyers and campaigners warn that British partners are being caught up in false claims, with some facing police reports and serious accusations that are never substantiated.
Under the rules, migrants on partner visas who say they are victims of domestic abuse can be granted temporary leave to remain for three months. During that period, they can apply for indefinite leave to remain, giving them the right to stay in the UK permanently. This process is significantly faster than other routes, which often take years.
The BBC uncovered cases where individuals allegedly entered relationships with British citizens with the intention of later making abuse claims. Others were reportedly guided by unregulated advisers who advertise services online, offering to help fabricate cases.
In one undercover meeting in London, a man posing as a migrant seeking to leave his wife was advised to claim psychological abuse. The adviser suggested building a case around arguments and controlling language, despite there being no physical violence.
When asked what evidence would be used, the adviser replied: “Orally,” before suggesting examples of verbal exchanges that could be framed as abuse.
He later claimed that every case he had handled in this way had succeeded, telling the reporter: “All of them.”
The individual offering the advice was not licensed to provide immigration services, raising further concerns about oversight. Despite this, he appeared to have handled applications involving official Home Office correspondence.
Data obtained by the BBC shows that more than 5,500 people applied for settlement through this route in the year to September 2025. That figure has increased sharply in recent years, with applications rising by over half in just three years.
A growing proportion of applicants are men, with claims from male migrants rising faster than those from women, prompting fears that the system is being deliberately manipulated.
One woman, referred to as Aisha, said her former husband accused her of abuse after she reported him to police for rape. She believes the allegation was made to help him avoid losing his right to remain in the UK.
“He told me just before he made the domestic abuse report: ‘Oh don’t worry, I’ve multiple ways to stay here. I don’t need you to stay in the country’,” she said.
Aisha described the impact on her life as devastating, saying the experience left her struggling to cope. “The Home Office is allowing this to happen,” she said. “They allowed him to continue this behaviour. I’ve suffered four years of hell because of the Home Office.”
Legal experts say cases like hers highlight weaknesses in the system. Because a criminal conviction is not required, applicants may rely on reports, statements or other forms of evidence that are not always independently verified.
Barrister Jabran Hussain said some of his clients had been falsely accused by partners seeking to secure their immigration status.
“This route was well-intended and it was there to protect some of the most vulnerable in society – victims of domestic violence,” he said. “But I think there’s certain people out there that see it OK to abuse that for their own gain or to get settlement here fast-track.”
The Home Office maintains that it does not treat a police crime reference number alone as proof of abuse. However, critics argue that other forms of supporting material, such as letters from organisations or court orders obtained without the other party being present, can still carry weight.
Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips condemned the misuse of the scheme, saying: “The unacceptable abuse of this route, which protects genuine victims from the devastation of domestic abuse, is utterly shameful.”
She added: “Let me be clear: try to defraud the British people to remain in the UK and your application will be refused, and you will find yourself on a one-way flight out of Britain.”
The Immigration Advice Authority said it would take action against those providing illegal or dishonest services, warning the public to use only properly registered advisers.
Concerns about the potential for abuse are not new. Officials previously identified risks more than a decade ago, and inspectors have raised questions about the reliability of evidence used in some cases.
With applications continuing to rise, pressure is growing on ministers to tighten safeguards while ensuring genuine victims are still protected.
Source: BBC
