1) We forced the government to stop profiting off grieving widows
The government operates a “bereaved partner concession”, which allows those on a spouse visa to secure indefinite leave if their spouse passes away. However, this application cost over £3,000, meaning many people, primarily grieving women, were priced out of status to which they were entitled. Alongside the Public Interest Law Centre, we challenged this in the courts, and ultimately public pressure forced the government to concede the case. In September 2024, they introduced a fee waiver, enabling grieving widows to secure indefinite leave even when they couldn’t afford the £3,000 application fee.
2) Giving people renewing visas proof of their status
When people apply to renew their visas, they’re automatically placed on “3C leave” whilst they wait for the government to process their application. They were though given no proof of their status, meaning, like members of the Windrush generation, they were routinely classed as lacking status and trapped in the hostile environment. This saw people suspended from work, denied employment and prevented from studying or renting property. With Bhatt Murphy solicitors we challenged this in court and the government is now issuing people with digital proof of their 3C leave status.
3) Forcing the government to abandon plans to deport people for rough sleeping
In 2020, the government introduced rules that meant peoples’ visas could be cancelled and they could face deportation for the “crime” of rough sleeping. Alongside the Public Interest Law Centre, we challenged this in the courts and, even though the rule remained in place, the government have never actually used it revoke a person’s visa.
