New anonymous tip-off system could cut forced marriage

VICTIMS of forced marriage will be more likely to speak out after Britain said it would allow anonymous tip-offs to cut illegal immigration and help the thousands made to wed against their will, charities said on Wednesday.

“We already have some of the toughest laws in the world against these crimes. But we need to do more,” said Britain’s Home Secretary Sajid Javid.

“When women have the courage to come forward, and inform us that they have been forced to sponsor a spousal visa against their will, we will not only protect their anonymity but we will also do everything we can to deny and revoke that visa,” Mr Javid told a political conference on Tuesday.

He spoke as anti-immigrant sentiment runs high in Britain, with politicians touting a range of patriotic policies after the Brexit vote revealed a widespread “Britain first” mentality.

The proposed change could make it harder for would-be immigrants to enter Britain under the cover of marriage.

Charities representing people forced to wed against their will said the change might also help protect victims.

The government’s Forced Marriage Unit received reports of nearly 2,000 possible cases last year, many involving girls from South Asian backgrounds.

Campaigners say the figure is just the tip of the iceberg.

“Many victims do not report forced marriage,” said Natasha Rattu, executive director of Karma Nirvana, which supports people forced to marry. “This is largely down to the fact that by doing so, the potential spouse and family will be alerted.”

“This can increase potential risk of harm and likelihood of being disowned and ostracised from the community,” she said.

Immigration rules currently require victims to write a public statement if they wish to revoke their spouse’s marriage visa, which could expose victims to domestic violence, homelessness and family rejection, charities say.

The Home Office said it would now allow forced marriage victims to notify authorities in secret in order to stop their spouses from entering or staying in the country.

The Times reported in August that visas were granted in almost half of 88 cases last year where victims, officials or others had raised fears of forced marriage.

Britain banned forced marriage in 2014, although there have only been two convictions since the law was passed.