Immigration support

Aanchal frequently supports women in East London who are not British citizen and here on visas with no recourse to public funds.

What is “No Recourse to Public Funds”?

The Home Office states:

“If you have a residence permit that allows you to live in the UK, it may include the condition that you have no recourse to public funds. If so, it means you will not be able to claim most benefits, tax credits or housing assistance that are paid by the state.”

You can get additional guidance on public funds on the Home Office website.

At Aanchal, some of the questions and concerns we encounter the most often by women who are here in the UK on a visa are:

• How will I survive financially?
• If I report the violence, will I be deported?
• If I talk to anyone, I will be judged?
• My children will be taken away from me
• Can my in-laws throw me out of the home?
• I don’t understand my visa.
• What is indefinite leave to remain?
• Am I allowed to work?
• What is safe shelter and what housing support can I get?
• I cannot provide evidence of abuse.
• My family don’t know I have been involved in a relationship so I can’t speak to them about the abuse.

If you are in the UK on spouse visa, we can help you consider how you can remain in the UK safely, away from your abuser.

If you are in the UK on an alternative visa (such as working visa, student visa, dependent visa and asylum), it might be harder for you to be granted support under the Destitution Domestic Violence Concession, you may still be able to get help keeping safe while here in the UK (please note though that each case is different). It is still important for you to report the abuse to the police and/or a domestic abuse specialist agency. Aanchal can help you identify potential support structures.