Legal Advisers Allegedly Help Migrants Fabricate Asylum Claims

A BBC investigation published on Wednesday uncovered that legal advisers in the United Kingdom are allegedly assisting migrants in fabricating claims of sexual orientation to secure asylum. The investigation highlighted that migrants, whose visas have expired, are coached to present false claims, including creating cover stories and producing supporting evidence such as photographs and medical reports.

The advisers reportedly charge thousands of pounds, with some demanding up to £7,000, assuring clients of a high chance of success. In one instance, an adviser suggested that an applicant bring their wife to the UK to submit a separate claim posing as a lesbian.

The UK Home Office warned that anyone found exploiting the asylum system would face legal consequences, including removal from the UK. The investigation noted that 35% of asylum claims in 2025 were from migrants who had overstayed their visas, with Nigeria recording 103 asylum claims based on sexual orientation in 2023.

The report described these practices as fraudulent and warned they undermine genuine asylum claims.