Japa: How legal advisers help migrants pose as gay for UK asylum – BBC investigation

A BBC undercover investigation has alleged that some legal advisers and firms in the United Kingdom are helping migrants fabricate claims of being gay to obtain asylum.

The report, published on Wednesday, said migrants whose visas were about to expire were coached to present false claims, including being given cover stories and instructed on how to produce supporting evidence.

According to the investigation, such evidence included photographs, medical reports and letters to support claims of persecution based on sexual orientation.

The report said some advisers charged thousands of pounds to prepare the applications, with one firm allegedly demanding up to £7,000 while assuring clients of a high chance of success.

The BBC said one undercover reporter was told to attend gay clubs and take photographs as evidence, while another adviser allegedly offered to arrange a fake same-sex relationship to support an application.

In one instance, an adviser was quoted as saying the applicant could later bring his wife to the UK and help her submit a separate claim by posing as a lesbian.

The UK Home Office said anyone found exploiting the asylum system would face legal consequences. Punch