Jyoti Brar Defence Campaign

  Jyoti Brar a young Asian woman who lives in London, is under threat of deportation back to India.

In April 1992, in accordance with traditional asian culture, Jyoti had an arranged marriage to Pervinder Brar, a British citizen. Jyoti joined her husband in England with high expectations of a secure marriage and future in the UK.

The couple stayed with Mr Brar's parents where Jyoti was subjected to emotional and psychological violence as well as threats of physical abuse. Jyoti endured this until May 1993, when her husband left her.

By ending the marriage Jyoti's husband prevented her from obtaining indefinite leave to remain in the UK, as the marriage had not lasted twelve months.

Through no fault of her own Jyoti became a victim of the "one year rule". This rule requires that a marriage between a British citizen and a non-british national must last for at least one year.

This is a racist rule, which discriminates against women and black women in particular. It also forces women to remain in violent marriages, too scared to leave for fear they will be deported back to their original homes where they would face ostracisation and disgrace.

It is an unfair rule, which places women's lives in jeopardy.

Jyoti is now working in the NHS and assisting voluntary organisations in her spare time.

She is unable to return to India, where she would face humiliation, prejudice and discrimination for being divorced. There will be no support from her family or friends, only isolation and insecurity.

Jyoti is being treated as a criminal, yet her only crime was to marry and come to the U,K she is suffering through no fault of her own and is now awaiting a decision from the Home Secretary about her fate.

What You can Do:

Petitions and model letters can be obtained from the campaign:

Financial support is also urgently needed to ensure a successful campaign.

Write to:

Jyoti Brar Defence Campaign

c/o Domestic Violence Project

1 High Street, Hounslow, Middlesex TW3 1RH

NCADC