Legal advisors are reportedly charging substantial fees to assist migrants in falsely claiming to be homosexual in order to remain in the UK, according to an investigation by the BBC.
Migrants facing visa expiration are provided with fabricated narratives and guidance on creating false evidence, such as letters of support, photos, and medical records. They then submit asylum applications asserting their homosexuality and fear of persecution if sent back to countries like Pakistan or Bangladesh.
In response to the BBC’s findings, the Home Office stated that individuals attempting to exploit the system will be prosecuted and potentially deported from the UK. Additionally, Downing Street warned that migrants caught lying about their sexual orientation for asylum purposes could face deportation.
An undercover investigation revealed a meeting for “gay and lesbian asylum seekers” in Beckton, east London. Despite claims of being a support group, some participants openly expressed doubts about their actual sexual orientation.
One attendee, Zeeshan, admitted, “Nobody is gay here. I am not gay. Not even 0.01% are gay.” The event, organized monthly by Worcester LGBT, drew nearly 200 people from various regions.
Certain consultancy firms demanded high fees, upwards of £7,000, for guaranteed fake claims, with some advisors even boasting about arranging false sexual relationships to strengthen asylum cases.
The investigation exposed organizers coaching clients on how to navigate Home Office interviews. Simultaneously, the government announced the closure of 11 migrant accommodations, signaling a crackdown on illegal migrant lodging.
Other migrants involved in the scheme were advised to feign mental health issues or lie about medical conditions like HIV to enhance their claims. A lawyer disclosed assisting individuals in seeking asylum under false pretenses, with fees escalating for additional evidence.
One advisor, identified as Tanisa Khan, offered to help the undercover reporter secure an asylum visa based on false claims of being gay. She emphasized the asylum route as the only viable option for obtaining a visa and outlined the process of fabricating a narrative.
Questions were raised about the involvement of Mazedul Hasan Shakil, a paralegal at Law & Justice Solicitors, who denied supporting fabricated evidence in asylum applications when approached by the BBC. He highlighted ongoing investigations into Tanisa’s conduct and disclaimed any professional association with her.
The number of asylum claims surpassed 100,000 in 2025, with a significant portion originating from individuals with expired legal visas in the UK. Despite challenges in quantifying fabricated applications, the Home Office stressed the importance of fair and thorough evaluation of all claims to prevent misuse of the asylum system.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to uncovering abuse and taking stringent action against those attempting to deceive the system. Efforts to address unethical practices within the legal profession were also emphasized, with regulatory bodies poised to intervene if violations are detected.
