A BBC undercover investigation has raised serious allegations involving immigration advisers in the United Kingdom.
The report claims some individuals may have assisted migrants in preparing fabricated asylum cases, particularly linked to sexual orientation claims.
A BBC investigation has alleged that certain immigration advisers and associated intermediaries in the UK were involved in helping migrants construct false asylum narratives.
The report claims that undercover journalists, posing as international students from Pakistan and Bangladesh, were guided on how to present asylum applications based on being gay or lesbian.
According to the findings, some advisers allegedly discussed ways to strengthen such claims through supporting stories, documentation, and structured narratives.
Connaught law allegations
The BBC report highlighted allegations involving a legal adviser linked to Connaught Law.
The adviser was reportedly approached by undercover reporters and allegedly discussed handling asylum claims based on sexual orientation.
He is said to have quoted a fee of around £7,000 and described the likelihood of refusal as “very low.”
The report further claims he suggested that applicants could be guided on what to say during Home Office interviews and how to prepare supporting narratives.
Another part of the BBC investigation focused on Law & Justice Solicitors, where a paralegal was allegedly linked to advising migrants on asylum applications based on sexual orientation.
The report states that discussions included presenting LGBT-based asylum claims as a potential route for migrants whose visas were close to expiry.
It also alleges that applicants were advised on preparing consistent personal accounts and interview responses.
The investigation also referenced interactions linked to LGBT support groups, including Worcester LGBT meetings attended by migrants from across the UK.
The BBC report claims that some individuals connected to these networks allegedly advised migrants on building asylum cases based on same-sex orientation.
According to the report, undercover meetings included discussions on preparing statements and maintaining consistency during asylum interviews.
Expert reaction and concerns
The BBC shared its findings with an experienced immigration lawyer, who suggested the described practices could amount to fraud if proven.
The expert also warned that such cases could harm the credibility of genuine LGBT asylum seekers, whose claims are often difficult to verify through documentation alone.
The UK’s UK Home Office said making asylum claims through deception is a criminal offence.
Authorities stated that individuals found guilty could face prosecution, imprisonment, and deportation.
The department also said the asylum system includes safeguards to detect abuse and that cases are actively investigated and reviewed.
The BBC report noted that Pakistani nationals accounted for a significant proportion of sexuality-based asylum claims in recent years.
In 2023, out of thousands of initial decisions on LGBT asylum claims, a notable share of applicants came from Pakistan.
The report also stated that while Pakistani nationals were not among the largest groups across all asylum applications, they consistently appeared as the highest nationality in sexuality-based claims over multiple years.
In a separate announcement, the Pakistan High Commission in the UK confirmed a partnership with Gerrys Visa Services Ltd.
The agreement aims to improve visa facilitation services for overseas Pakistanis and reduce reliance on unauthorized visa and facilitation centres operating in the UK.
Officials said the move is intended to streamline official processes and improve service delivery for applicants.
