Divorce from foreigner

Hi i have just registered with this site as i am desperate for some advice about foreign marriages.
My friend has just informed me that on 3rd dec last year, her pakistan boyfriend forced her to marry his pakistan friend so he could get a visa.
The marriage was at a registery office and after she went home with her boyfriend.
Now she can't get her passport or anything as this 'husband' won't let her.
Is there any legal action that can be taken ?
She is being treated for depression because of it all and i just hope someone can give us some advice.

Thanks

Sorry to hear about your firned's dofficulty. This site www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abro...rong/forced-marriage may be useful.

She would also potentially be able to apply for the marraige to be annulled - either on the ground s of duress and/or non-consummation.

Was the wedding in the UK?

Is it the 'boyfriend' who is holding her passport? She may be able to get a new copy if she can report it as lost or stolen (she is under no obligation to change her nae becasue of the 'wedding'

I would recommend that she consults a solicitor asap - It is likely to be helpful if she can find a solicitor (or firm of solicitors) with knowledge of immigration as well as family law.

More information about this issue:
Forced marriages

It is a criminal offence to force a person to marry under duress. If you are afraid that you may be forced into a marriage in this country, the police should be contacted. This is also the case where there is concern that another person may be forced into a marriage. This is also the case if you are concerned that someone else may be forced into a marriage.

There is also a civil procedure to prevent forced marriages, and to help people who have already been forced into marriage.

If you are the victim of a forced marriage or the friend of someone who is the victim of a forced marriage, you can apply to court for a Forced Marriage Protection Order. This order forbids families from:

taking you abroad for marriage
taking your passports away
intimidating you.
It can also require family members to reveal where you are. The police can also apply for a Forced Marriage Protection Order. If someone breaks the order, they could be sent to prison for up to two years.

If you are the victim of a forced marriage, or if you know someone who is being forced into marriage, get legal advice as soon as you can. You may get legal aid.

Also, if you are afraid that you may be forced into marriage overseas, you should, before travelling, contact the address below for advice. If you are concerned about someone else who has travelled overseas, you should also contact this address.

Forced Marriage Unit
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Old Admiralty Building
London SW1A 2PA
Tel: 020 7008 0151
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk (follow the links to Travel advice, What we can do to help and Forced marriages)

You can also contact the Honour Network, a helpline for victims of forced marriages and honour crimes. The helpline number is: 0800 5999 247.