Immigration: Migrant Domestic Abuse Concession

​Migrant Domestic Abuse Concession

The Migrant Domestic Abuse Concession gives victims of domestic abuse temporary immigration status for 3 months and allows them to access financial support. It is for people whose relationship has ended because of domestic abuse.

The Jersey Customs and Immigration Service understands that some people with immigration status may feel anxious about contacting Immigration about their situation. If you are worried, you can get help from Jersey Domestic Abuse Support or Freeda: Free from Domestic Abuse. They can assist you through the process.

Alternatively, you can contact an Immigration officer directly on +44 (0) 1534 448000 or email immigration@gov.je for advice on whether you're eligible for the domestic abuse concession.

Who can apply

This concession gives 3 months of independent immigration status and financial support to victims of domestic abuse. It allows them to leave the abusive relationship and move to safety with support. The person can also change their immigration status, separate from their abusive partner, and access public funds during this time.

The concession is available to all those victims and survivors of domestic abuse however not all categories of immigration permission are eligible to apply for settlement.

What to do during the 3 months

During the 3 months, the victim should do 1 of the following to address their immigration status:

1. apply to stay in Jersey under a relevant immigration route.
2. apply for settlement if they qualify under the "Victim of Domestic Abuse" section of the Jersey Immigration Rules.
3. arrange to leave Jersey and the Common Travel Area (UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man).

This policy is outside the usual Immigration Rules and has been approved by the Minister for Justice & Home Affairs. There is no fee to apply, and you do not need to provide evidence of domestic abuse.

Financial support

Any person who is placed on the Migrant Domestic Abuse Concession is eligible for a 13 week period of income support.

The Minister for Social Security has agreed to provide additional support through the Income Support benefit to people who experience domestic abuse to ensure that they can leave the relationship and have time to make plans for their future.

This provision is aimed to support migrant victims and survivors on spouse and work visas to ensure they have access to public funds and access to the safety which this can afford them.

Ministerial Exceptional policy for people at risk of experiencing domestic abuse

The concession provides similar provisions to those that are available in the UK, which provide time limited funding for people who would otherwise not be able to access financial support.

In addition to individuals subject to immigration controls, the Minister is also providing the same support to Common Travel Area (CTA) citizens who have less than 5 years' residency.

Settlement opportunities for victims of domestic abuse

Settlement may be an option where a person has, or was last granted, permission as a partner on a specified route and the relationship has permanently broken down due to domestic abuse.

The applicant must be in Jersey unless the applicant is overseas because they have been abandoned overseas outside of the Common Travel Area.

Dependent children can also apply on this route.

An alternative route may be available for relevant family members under Appendix EU(J) who are victims of domestic abuse.

You may be eligible for settlement as the victim of Domestic Abuse if you most recently held an immigration permission granted in one of the following:

• a partner of a person who is a British citizen, settled in Jersey, or an EEA national in Jersey with pre-settled status
• a spouse, civil partner or durable partner of a person who is an EEA national in Jersey with pre-settled status
• a partner under Appendix FM(J) of the Jersey Immigration Rules
• a partner under Part 11 of the Jersey Immigration Rules
• a partner of a person present and settled in Jersey under Part 8 of the Jersey Immigration Rules
  
• a partner under part 7 of the Jersey Immigration Rules of a British citizen, or of a foreign and commonwealth citizen serving in HM Forces
• a victim of domestic abuse under Appendix FM(J) of the Jersey Immigration Rules

You will not be eligible for settlement as the victim of Domestic Abuse if you most recently held an immigration permission in one of the following routes:

• fiancé or proposed civil partner
• work permit holder or dependant

For more information review the Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse' within the Jersey Immigration Rules.

You can speak directly to an Immigration officer on +44 (0) 1534 448000 or email immigration@gov.je to find out more about the domestic abuse concession.

If you are concerned about speaking to Immigration you should engage with Jersey Domestic Abuse Support or Freeda: Free from Domestic Abuse who can provide support for you with this process.