Activity 2: Aminata

You are a caseworker working in an support charity for migrants. Neither you nor the charity are registered with the IAA.

Aminata came to the UK from the Ivory Coast one year ago as the partner of a British man. Her partner is very controlling and it is hard for her to leave the house. She is desperate to leave him because he has been increasingly violent towards her since her arrival. Aminata has an 11 year old son, Souleimane. Currently Souleimane is staying with friends. You have been trying to refer Aminata to a refuge, but have been unable to do so because she has a 'no recourse to public funds' condition on her visa. You have made an appointment for her to see an immigration solicitor. However the appointment is in a month's time. This is the earliest appointment you could get.

The solicitor has suggested that Aminata make an application under the "Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession." She says the form is quite simple and Aminata could make the application herself. She has sent you the link to the MVDAC application form.

Aminata's current visa expires in 18 months' time. Unfortunately, Aminata speaks very little English. Her first language is French, which you can speak fluently. She has asked for your help to complete the form.

Aminata asks you the following questions:

1. Could you read the form for me?
2. Are there any downsides to my applying?
3. Could you help me to fill out the form?
4. My partner checks my e-mails - could you send the form for me?

Go to the MVDAC application form

Read through the form and think about how you would respond to Aminata's questions. For each question, ask yourself:

• Is it within the IAA's jurisdiction? (i.e. Does it concern a 'relevant matter'?)
• Could it relate to a particular individual? (Or conversely, would your answer be exactly the same for anyone who might apply under the MVDAC concession?)
• Are you making representations to a court or the Home Office?
• Is there anything you could do the protect yourself and/or Aminata?
• For Question 3, is there anything within the form itself might prove particularly problematic?