A BBC investigation has found that some migrants are falsely claiming to be victims of domestic abuse in order to secure the right to remain in the United Kingdom. The claims exploit rules designed to protect genuine victims of abuse by allowing them to apply for permanent residency more quickly than through other immigration routes.
Lawyers and campaigners say weak Home Office checks are enabling abuse of the system, while British partners accused falsely face serious emotional and legal consequences.
The route in question is the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession, which allows migrants on partner visas to stay in the UK for three months if their relationship breaks down because of abuse. During that period, they can apply for indefinite leave to remain. This route is significantly faster than asylum or standard visa pathways, which often require at least five years.
According to figures obtained by BBC News, 5,596 migrants applied for settlement under the domestic abuse route in the 12 months to September 2025. This is more than a 50 percent increase in three years. Around a quarter of applicants were men.
The BBC investigation also uncovered alleged advisers encouraging fraud. In an undercover meeting at a London hotel, immigration adviser Eli Ciswaka reportedly told a BBC reporter posing as a migrant client that for £900 he could help fabricate a domestic abuse claim. The fake client said he wanted to leave his British wife but feared losing his visa.
Ciswaka allegedly suggested presenting the case as psychological abuse, saying verbal arguments and controlling language could be used as evidence. He claimed previous cases had all succeeded.
The adviser is not a registered solicitor or regulated immigration adviser, meaning it would be illegal for him to provide immigration advice. He later denied being willing to invent a story. The Immigration Advice Authority said it would investigate and take enforcement action where necessary.
One British woman, identified only as Aisha, told the BBC she suffered years of distress after her Pakistani ex-husband allegedly turned abuse accusations against her after their marriage collapsed. She says he had originally claimed to be a British citizen but later relied on her for his visa.
Aisha alleged that after she reported rape and controlling behaviour, her husband accused her of domestic abuse to remain in the country. Police took no action against her, but she says the false allegations caused lasting trauma. She was later awarded compensation by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority over the sexual assault claim.
Criminal lawyer Jabran Hussain said he had seen several British nationals falsely accused by migrant spouses seeking immigration advantage. He said lives had been “turned upside down” because immigration rules do not require a criminal conviction for claims to proceed.
Government safeguarding minister Jess Phillips strongly condemned abuse of the system, saying protections for genuine victims were being exploited. She warned that fraudulent applicants would be refused and removed from Britain, while dishonest advisers could face prison.
Concerns have also been raised in Parliament. Conservative MP Robbie Moore said some claims were being made just weeks after migrants arrived in the UK, suggesting the system may be used to gain settled status quickly or avoid visa costs.
The Home Office said a crime reference number alone is not accepted as proof of abuse, but critics argue stronger checks are urgently needed to protect both genuine victims and innocent partners.