Contradictions in UK Migrant Law and Women's Advocacy: the Case of Trafficked/Undocumented Filipino Women
Funder: Arts and Humanities Research Council
Principal Investigator: Dr Pauline Eadie
Project team: Dr Helen McCabe (co-investigator); (research associate); (projct support); (project support)
Duration: April 2025 - April 2026
The project examined the issue of 'tied' visas that bind migrant domestic workers (MDWs) to designated households in the UK. The project team explored the extent to which tied visas facilitate abuse, as victims are dependent on their employers for their legal immigration status. They investigated the extent to which Filipino women who have escaped from abusive traffickers and employers ended up as undocumented ‘illegals’ who are presented as a problem for UK society.
The project examined the merits of the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) as a framework to regularise the visa status of Migrant Domestic Workers. We also explored how Filipina's organised themselves to create and maintain supportive self-help groups and networks to assist abused Migrant Domestic Workers.
The team examined the extent to which the tied-visa system undermines UK laws designed to protect the fundamental rights of women. This issue is challenging because it is legally and politically contentious.
This project has secured total funding of £94,783 from the AHRC responsive mode: Curiosity Award: Round Four.
Animation of key findings