LONDON: An undercover investigation by the BBC has alleged that a network of immigration advisers, paralegals and associated intermediaries in the United Kingdom has been helping migrants fabricate asylum claims by falsely presenting themselves as gay, charging significant sums for constructing false narratives, arranging staged evidence and coaching applicants for official interviews.
The investigation said the alleged practices primarily target migrants from Pakistan and Bangladesh whose student, work or visitor visas are nearing expiry, with advisers encouraging them to apply for asylum on the basis of sexual orientation.
At least three law firms were named in the report, including Law and Justice Solicitors and Connaught Law. Law and Justice is owned by Michael Oluyemi Makinde and Connaught Law is owned by Nauman Javid, Sheryar Khan, Zehra Tamkan and Awais Javed. According to the BBC, individuals linked to these firms were willing to discuss fabricating claims, outline the type of supporting evidence required and quote fees for handling such cases.
As part of the investigation, undercover reporters posed as international students from Pakistan and Bangladesh to test whether advisers would recommend false claims. The report said several individuals were prepared to offer guidance on building fabricated cases, including creating personal statements, arranging supporting letters and preparing applicants for Home Office interviews.
The BBC reported that a senior legal...
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