He allegedly quoted fees of up to £7,000.
An undercover investigation by the BBC has alleged that some UK immigration advisers coached migrants into fabricating gay asylum claims for thousands of pounds.
The findings centre on a covert operation in which reporters posed as international students from Pakistan and Bangladesh facing visa expiry.
They approached advisers to assess whether support would be offered for legitimate applications or if fraudulent routes would be encouraged.
According to the BBC, several advisers allegedly suggested claiming to be gay and fearing persecution if returned to their home countries.
Reporters were reportedly told to construct detailed personal narratives, often involving fictional same sex relationships and experiences of discrimination.
The investigation claims advisers encouraged applicants to gather staged photographs at LGBTQ+ venues to make their claims appear more credible.
Some were also allegedly advised to secure letters of support and fabricate medical documentation to strengthen their cases.
In one instance, migrants were reportedly told to attend GP appointments to obtain records that could later be used as supporting evidence.
The BBC alleges that this guidance went beyond standard legal advice and instead involved direct coaching on how to mislead the Home Office.
Applicants were also reportedly instructed to memorise their statements carefully to avoid inconsistencies during official asylum interviews.
One adviser identified in the report, Tanisa Khan, allegedly offered to help build a false claim for £2,500.
She reportedly warned that costs could increase significantly if the case required an appeal process.
The investigation also names Aqeel Abbasi, described as a senior adviser at Connaught Law.
He allegedly quoted fees of up to £7,000 and suggested visiting gay clubs to take photos and create a believable cover story.
Another adviser, not named in the report, allegedly offered a lower cost package starting at £1,500.
However, additional fees of between £2,000 and £3,000 were reportedly required to produce supporting evidence.
The BBC suggests this points to a structured and potentially lucrative system built around exploiting vulnerabilities within the asylum process.
The investigation highlights concerns that such practices are being used by individuals whose student, work, or tourist visas have expired.
This distinguishes them from those arriving via small boat crossings, who often dominate public and political debate on migration.
According to the BBC, this group accounted for 35% of asylum applications in 2025.
Overall, asylum applications in the UK reportedly exceeded 100,000 during the same year, reflecting growing pressure on the system.
The allegations have prompted strong political reactions, with some MPs calling for tighter regulation of immigration advisers.
There have also been calls for enforcement action against those found to be engaging in fraudulent practices.
However, it is important to note that these claims are based on undercover reporting and have not been tested in court.
No formal convictions have been made in relation to the individuals or firms named in the investigation.
Campaigners have also raised concerns about the broader impact of such allegations on genuine asylum seekers.
In particular, there are fears that legitimate LGBTQ+ applicants could face increased scrutiny or scepticism as a result.
For many individuals fleeing persecution due to their sexuality, proving their identity and experiences is already a complex and sensitive process.
This case risks further complicating that reality by casting doubt on claims that are both genuine and urgent.
Ultimately, the investigation underscores the challenge facing UK authorities in balancing robust immigration controls with the need to protect vulnerable people seeking refuge.
It also raises wider questions about oversight within the immigration advice sector and the safeguards needed to prevent potential abuse.
As scrutiny intensifies, the spotlight will remain on how institutions respond to these allegations and whether reforms will follow.
Loading ...