Thousands of people living lawfully in the UK are encountering delays in the visa renewal process, which then cause them problems with hostile environment policies, according to research published this week by a migrant rights charity.
People seeking to extend or formalise their immigration status are given the little-understood status of “3C leave” while they wait for the Home Office to process their application. During this period, their right to work, rent property and access healthcare is in theory protected, but because they have no documentary evidence proving their status, many face difficulties with landlords and employers.
Research by the Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (Ramfel), which offers support with immigration casework, said more than 30% of its clients had experienced difficulties while they were on 3C leave. Employers and landlords are often unfamiliar with the concept, and because they are anxious to avoid being fined for employing or renting to an illegal immigrant, they often view lack of documentation as synonymous with unlawful status, the charity states.
Many placed on 3C leave are in the process of trying naturalise as British, under the 10-year route, which requires applicants to make four 30-month further leave-to-remain applications to stay in the UK during the qualifying period at a cost of about 2,600 each time. Home Office processing delays mean that many find themselves in immigration limbo for extended periods.
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