Sexuality scam: Migrants coached to fake being gay for UK residency

An undercover investigation by the BBC has revealed a clandestine network of immigration advisers in the UK who allegedly coach migrants into fabricating claims of being gay to secure asylum, charging thousands of pounds for the service.

Reporters posing as students from Pakistan and Bangladesh with expiring visas were offered “complete packages” by multiple advisers. These included scripted personal stories, staged evidence, and detailed guidance on how to present themselves during interviews with the Home Office.

Packages of deception

According to the investigation, one adviser demanded up to £7,000, assuring clients their chances of rejection were “very low.” Others instructed individuals to attend LGBT events, take photos as proof, and collect letters claiming same-sex relationships.

In some cases, migrants were allegedly told to visit doctors and pretend to suffer from depression or even HIV in order to strengthen their applications. One experienced adviser claimed she could arrange fabricated evidence of relationships and even help a client’s spouse later apply for asylum using a similar claim.

The probe also found that gatherings at certain LGBT groups included individuals who privately admitted they were not gay. One attendee told reporters that almost no one present was genuinely part of the community.

Rising trend in asylum claims

The investigation focused on migrants already in the UK on student, work, or tourist visas — an increasingly significant group that now accounts for about 35% of all asylum claims. Overall applications crossed 100,000 in 2025.

Applicants from Pakistan were found to make up a disproportionate share of sexuality-based asylum claims, highlighting what critics say is a loophole in the system. Since sexual orientation is difficult to verify, decisions often rely heavily on personal testimony and supporting documents such as event attendance and letters from organisations.

Human cost and fallout

A former client, identified as Ali, said he spent over £10,000 pursuing a failed claim after being advised to lie about his sexuality. He described attending Pride events and fabricating evidence before eventually returning home.

The findings have sparked strong reactions. The Home Office warned that anyone attempting to exploit the asylum system could face prosecution and removal. Labour MP Jo White called for police investigations and stricter oversight, while Conservative figure Chris Philp described the system as “rotten” and demanded legal action against those involved.

Meanwhile, the Refugee Council condemned the exploitation but cautioned against undermining genuine asylum seekers, particularly those fleeing persecution due to their sexual orientation.

The revelations have intensified scrutiny of the UK’s asylum process, exposing the challenge authorities face in separating legitimate claims from organised fraud.