Do you have to stay in UK while on DRO?

Foreign_Girl

Hello,

I'm looking for an advice...
I am in debt (a little over £5000) I've been unemployed for over 4months and my JSA has only now been approved. Finding a new job proved to be impossible for me, I am starting to believe that my agents support campaign 'British jobs for British workers' and so chances that, my circumstances will improve are very little. I am therefore considering applying for DRO. The only thing is that I am not really sure how long will it take for my debts to be written off and whether I have to remain in Britain during this time?
My JSA will last for 6 months, If I won't be able to find a job by the end of November I'll be forced to go back to Poland as my friends and family are unable to borrow me more money (they have been supporting me for past 5months and owe them around £3,500)
I believe that DRO lasts a year, Can I apply for DRO and leave the country should my circumstances remain the same? Or will I be forced to stay in UK for another year?

GeorgeUK

Really not sure about the details involved for DRO - i woudl imagin that they would expect you to stay in the country, though wouldn't be able to enforce it at all.

I suggest you contact nationaldebtline who should be able to give you some detailed answers and possibly suggest other options too.

Just curious - what is it you do that you have an agent for?

fatbelly

You have to declare that your 'principal place of residence' for the past three years has been England/wales. If not , the guidance says that 'it is likely the application will fail on the grounds of domicility'

Once the DRO is granted, you must keep the DRO unit informed of changes of address during the morotorium period (one year).

I do not believe that there is any requirement to remain in Engand or wales during that period.