Administration of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate called into question!

Rochdale MP - Paul Rowen has called on the Immigration and Nationality Directorate to investigate a number of problems with their administration which is leaving estranged partners vulnerable. In cases where a marriage breaks down, an ex-spouse may take the decision not to support her partner's application for right to remain in this country. This is a big step, and often causes disputes within a family. However, when a visa expires and the estranged partner fails to return to their own country, problems can escalate and the British citizen can find themselves being bullied, harassed and threatened.

Paul said, "This is a problem that the Home Office need to get a grip of, I have raised the issue with Home Office Minister, Liam Byrne MP (Minister of State Immigration, Citizenship and Nationality, Home Office) He has promised to get to the bottom of the situation in a review of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate. I have had a number of cases of women who are being harassed by people that have no right to remain in the country. The Home Office are failing these women, I want to know whether they will deport people where there are clear examples of harassment and/or abuse? After all, they have no right to remain here and shouldn't be free to make these vulnerable women's lives a misery. We have had recent examples of the Home Office not deporting convicted criminals - this is just the tip of the ice-berg."

The Home Office need a clean sweep - the review of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate is welcome. I hope to meet with the Minister responsible and will be demanding answers and a guarantee that in future - people who have no right to remain here shouldn't be free to cause misery."

Some of the problems that have been brought to our attention are:

· Ex partner offering cash to estranged wife to support his application.

· British citizens brothers turning against her and lying to Home Office in order to support ex partner and discredit their sister.

· Threats to kill ex-wife and child.

· Remarrying whilst still legally married

· British citizen forced to leave marital home, whilst overstayer remains there illegally.

· Parental pressure to return to violent husband rather than bring shame on the family

· Overstayers continuing to be employed locally. Limited action by police.

Further harassment by ex partners when they learn that spouse has spoken out against them.