A BBC investigation has found evidence that some migrants may be making false claims of domestic abuse in order to remain in the UK, prompting renewed concerns about how the immigration system is being monitored.
The route in question is designed to support genuine victims whose relationships have broken down due to abuse. It allows those on partner visas to apply for temporary leave to remain and, in some cases, fast-track their application for permanent residency.
However, the investigation suggests the system may be vulnerable to misuse, with some individuals allegedly fabricating claims and receiving advice from unregulated immigration advisers.
In one case highlighted by the BBC, an undercover reporter posing as a migrant seeking to leave his wife was advised to claim psychological abuse despite there being no evidence of violence. The adviser suggested constructing a narrative based on arguments and controlling behaviour.
When asked what evidence could be provided, the adviser responded: “Orally,” before giving examples of how conversations could be presented as abusive.
The adviser, who is not licensed to provide immigration services, also claimed that all of the cases he had handled in this way had been successful.
Under current Home Office rules, individuals on partner visas who say they are victims of domestic abuse can be granted three months’ temporary leave to remain. During that time, they can apply for indefinite leave to remain, which allows them to live and work in the UK without time restrictions.
Figures obtained by the BBC show that 5,596 people applied for settlement through this route in the year to September 2025. This represents an increase of more than 50 per cent over three years. Around a quarter of applications were made by men, with male applications rising more sharply than those from women.
Some legal experts have expressed concern that the system may be open to abuse due to the speed of the process and the types of evidence that can be submitted.
Criminal lawyer Jabran Hussain said he had seen cases where British nationals were falsely accused by partners seeking to remain in the country.
“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 BBC also reported the case of a woman, referred to as Aisha, who said her former husband accused her of domestic abuse after she reported him to police for rape. She believes the allegation was made to help him 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 said the situation had a significant impact on her life, adding:
“The Home Office is allowing this to happen. They allowed him to continue this behaviour. I’ve suffered four years of hell because of the Home Office.”
The Home Office says that a police crime reference number alone is not treated as proof of abuse. Applicants may also submit other forms of evidence, such as reports from support organisations or court orders.
Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said misuse of the system was “utterly shameful” and warned that those attempting to defraud the system would face consequences.
“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,” she said.
The Immigration Advice Authority said it would take action against unregistered advisers and urged people to seek help only from regulated professionals.
Concerns about potential misuse of this route have been raised previously, including in earlier Home Office assessments and inspections of how claims are processed.
The government faces the challenge of ensuring the system continues to protect genuine victims while preventing it from being exploited.
