Gender Inequality: Policies and Experiences Community-led Solutions to Gender Inequality, Victimisation and Offending, 15 December 2015

Gender Inequality and Diversity

• Immigration and settlement policies though in theory gender neutral have differential impact on women

• Women’s economic and social position in society – lower pay, sectoral specific employment, caring responsibilities, dependency created by immigration regulations, makes it more difficult for them to access resources and qualify for settlement and deal with insecurity and violence.

• NGOs and social movements have advocated, campaigned and lobbied to effect change in legislation and protection and provided advise and assistance

Diversity of Routes

• Diversity of routes of entry raising specific issues of gender inequality, rights and access to services. Proportion of women differs as may their experiences. Labour -amongst non-EU largest group and heavily male (IT, finance)Family –75% of family-related visas female, and though less significant in terms of entry than labour, the largest source for those settlingAsylum and refugee – out of 25,033 who had claimed asylum in 2014, 27% were women. Proportion varies enormously between nationalities.

Overseas Domestic Workers

• 1997-2012 improved conditions as ODW. Since April 2012 Overseas Domestic Workers restricted to tied visas of 6 months, no renewal and prohibited from changing employers. A form of slavery despite the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

• Kalayaan campaigning for justice and access to rights in practice for migrant domestic workers. This includes working to change the immigration rules in the UK to restore the rights contained within the Original Overseas Domestic Worker visa and to push for the UK to sign and ratify the International Labour Organisation Domestic Workers

Convention 189 on ‘Decent Work for Domestic Workers’

Family Migration

• Focus has been on minority ethnic groups marrying with those from country of origin and concern with arranged marriages. Lack of research on this category.

• Stereotypical views of family migrants – low level of education, without agency, traditional practices

• In Settling In, 92% had formal education and 58% had BA or postgraduate degree; 57% had previously worked.

• Not just about entry for marriage(58% joining partner) but non-EU partners returning with British citizen (unable to find employment, children’s education, parental ill health) as well as non-EU partners of EU citizens.

• Children’s Commissioner (2015) Family Friendly? The impact on children of the Family Migration Rules: a review of the financial requirements, London (research undertaken by Middlesex University and JCWI)

• Eaves (2015) Settling In. Experiences of Women on Spousal Visas in the UK, funded by European Integration Fund

• Home Office (2011) Family Migration: evidence and analysis• Huddleston, T, et al. (2015) Migration Integration Policy Index

• Much more diverse with a wide range of nationalities and situations.

• In Home Office (2011) study, Pakistanis, Indians but also Americans. 9 nationalities form just over 50% of spouses but other 50% covers a wide range of nationalities from across the world

Non-EUFamily members EU citizens

• Increase in number of non-EU spouses married to EU partners, also in dependent relationship, who do not require a family-related visa to enter- 2014 23,20 in YE September 2014 to 29,617 or +24%.

• Increasing no. of cases arising from domestic violence, divorce or if EU partner leaves the UK

Legislative Changes

•Series of changes from November 2010 language tests for entry•Minimum income (£18,600) from July 2012 captured most attention.•English language tests higher level imposed for Indefinite Leave to Remain. •From 28 October 2013 Life in the UK test and to have an English speaking and listening qualification at B1 CEFR or above (those over 65 years exempt).

• Increased period of dependency from 2 to 5 years during which No Recourse to Public Funds and insecure immigration status

• Dependence creates uncertainty, stress, anxiety, isolation and vulnerability in some cases a feature of domestic violence and controlling behaviour (not allowed to work, attend language classes).

• Language a major issue for a large number. Though women older than 65 years exempt from language test for ILR status, a minority, especially amongst those over 50 years and from certain countries may not have had formal education ( around 10%), rendering it more difficult to pass written English language tests

• Can’t access free or subsidized language classes, child care and job advice at Job Centres.

Community Interventions and Support

• Organisations involved in advocacy, campaigning, lobbying against immigration regulations and their consequences

• Providing legal and other advice and assistance and training (language classes, volunteering)

• Training of practitioners in relevant issues• Sharing resources through internet networks• BUT pressures on the women’s sector and cuts• E. Vacchelli and P. Kathrecha (2013) Between Opportunities

and Challenges; Women’s Community and Organisations in London, SPRC, Middlesex University