LONDON (Diya TV) — A new investigation has revealed an alleged network of immigration advisers in the United Kingdom who are helping migrants fabricate asylum claims based on sexual orientation, raising serious concerns about abuse of the asylum system. Undercover reporting by the BBC found that some advisers are charging thousands of pounds to create false narratives for migrants from Pakistan and Bangladesh. These claims often center on applicants stating they are gay and would face persecution if returned to their home countries, where same-sex relations remain illegal.
The investigation found that advisers offer detailed coaching and staged evidence to support asylum claims. Fees reportedly reach up to £7,000 for a complete package. This includes written statements, photos at LGBTQ venues, and even fabricated personal testimonies.
One adviser told an undercover reporter that officials rarely verify such claims. “The main thing is what you say,” the adviser said. The adviser also offered to provide letters and photos suggesting intimate relationships with other individuals to strengthen the application. In some cases, advisers suggested that family members could also benefit. One adviser claimed that a migrant’s spouse could file a separate asylum claim by identifying as a lesbian.
The investigation revealed that advisers encourage applicants to attend LGBTQ events or visit gay clubs solely to collect visual proof. These materials are then presented during Home Office interviews as evidence of sexual orientation.
Applicants also receive coaching on how to answer questions during interviews. Advisers reportedly instruct them to deliver emotional and convincing accounts of fear and persecution. This practice raises concerns about the credibility of genuine asylum seekers who flee real threats due to their sexual orientation.
The report also included interviews with individuals connected to asylum support groups. At a meeting organized by Worcester LGBT, several attendees told an undercover reporter they were not actually gay. One individual admitted that many participants fabricate their claims. Another said applicants must act convincingly during interviews to succeed. These statements suggest a broader pattern of misuse within certain networks.
Recent data shows a sharp increase in asylum applications from Pakistan and Bangladesh in the UK. Many of these claims cite sexual orientation as the basis for seeking protection.
Pakistan recorded the highest number of such claims in 2023, followed by Bangladesh. Analysts say the trend has drawn attention from immigration authorities and policymakers. The UK government has not yet released detailed findings in response to the investigation. However, the issue has sparked debate about the effectiveness of current asylum screening processes.
Experts warn that fraudulent claims could undermine public trust in the asylum system. They also fear it may make it harder for genuine refugees to receive protection. Advocates for LGBTQ asylum seekers stress that many individuals face real danger in countries where same-sex relationships are criminalized. They caution against generalizing all claims as fraudulent.
