SEEAWA’s stand on the Immigration White Paper is in solidarity with the joint statement written by Step Up Migrant Women UK, LAWR’s, Southall Black Sisters, Hibiscus, and End Violence Against Women. Our take on it highlights a few points from their joint statement.
For migrant victims of domestic abuse
SEEAWA supports ESEA women in the UK to thrive. We are concerned that the sweeping changes to immigration policy in the White Paper will particularly harm ESEA survivors of violence, trafficking and modern slavery by losing their status and becoming vulnerable to exploitation.
The White Paper fails to address the vulnerability of migrant survivors of VAWG who are unable to access mainstream refuges, gain financial support, stable housing or legal advice to flee domestic abuse and rebuild their lives. The systemic barriers of sharing information with immigration enforcement (which is weaponised by perpetrators and deters access to protection), the enormous burdens of No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), and restrictive concessions mean that survivors will be trapped with their abusers. The government cannot claim to support survivors whilst engaging in hostile immigration policies that put migrant women in danger.
Labour market and immigration
The White Paper’s approach to migrant labour devalues ‘low-skilled’ roles (carers, domestic workers, support services) overwhelmingly held by migrant women. Removing care workers from the list of essential workers risks significantly reducing the number of carers in the UK, putting the safety and health of the elderly and those with disabilities in danger.
Restricting access to migrant women workers to long-term immigration stability and settlement will force workers to accept poor conditions and reliance on partners and employers, increasing the risks of abuse and exploitation.
Criminalisation of victims/survivors
The White Paper stops survivors of VAWG, or women who have been trafficked and exploited, from accessing support if they have committed a crime under the UK justice system, falling under the ‘foreign national offender’. Most women in prison have experienced abuse or exploitation, and often as a result of coercion or economic precarity. Automatic deportation and accelerated removals will prevent survivors from pursuing meaningful justice and rebuilding their lives.
Calls to Action
If you are interested in taking steps to change the White Paper and want to help with your unique skills, experience and passion, please email sarahreid@seeawa.org.uk