An undercover investigation has revealed that some law firms and immigration advisers are charging thousands of pounds to help migrants fabricate asylum claims in the United Kingdom. According to findings, individuals whose visas are nearing expiration receive guidance on posing as members of the LGBTQ+ community to avoid deportation.
Reporters posing as students from Pakistan and Bangladesh found advisers offering detailed instructions on creating false identities and supporting evidence. These included staged photographs, fabricated personal statements, and even medical reports. In some cases, migrants allegedly visited doctors pretending to suffer from depression or other conditions to strengthen their claims. One firm reportedly charged up to £7,000, assuring clients that rejection risks remained low.
Meanwhile, the investigation highlighted the growing scale of such claims. Migrants with expired work, student, or tourist visas now account for about 35 percent of asylum applications, which exceeded 100,000 in 2025. Advisers reportedly exploited this trend by offering services to construct narratives of persecution, particularly for individuals claiming they would face harm in countries like Pakistan or Bangladesh.
Authorities responded firmly to the findings. The Home Office warned that anyone attempting to manipulate the asylum system would face legal consequences, including removal from the country. Officials emphasized that the system exists to protect those genuinely at risk, not those submitting fraudulent claims.
Furthermore, the report raised concerns about systemic vulnerabilities. Experts argue that stricter oversight and enforcement may be necessary to prevent abuse while maintaining protections for legitimate asylum seekers.
