An Indo-Fijian woman based in New Zealand has become the latest to hit the headlines following reports she might be forced back to Fiji as a result of her husband being deported.

Stuff.co reports that her husband was deported last year after being convicted of domestic abuse against her.

Known only as Ms Devi, she is amongst the many who have become illegal immigrants once their husbands are deported because they don’t have any independent visa status.

But there is hope on the horizon as a Taranaki-based community law service is fighting to change an immigration law it says victimises women who leave violent partners.

Devi says despite her living and working in New Zealand for four years, immigration is showing her the door.

Attached to her husband’s work visa, she is fighting a losing battle to stay in the country.

She says sending her home to Fiji would almost certainly mean a return to the violence she had desperately tried to leave.

Taranaki Community Law manager Mary Beaumont said it was an all too common situation and action was needed.

The group, with input from a few other community organisations, has drafted a submission to change the section of the immigration policy which says women tied to their husband’s visa had no individual rights.