The Peter Tatchell Foundation has condemned fraudulent asylum claims based on fabricated LGBTQ+ identities, warning that such scams risk undermining protection for those fleeing genuine persecution.
The comments follow a BBC undercover investigation which reported that some migrants had been coached by advisers to falsely claim they are gay in order to secure asylum in the UK. The BBC said its reporters were advised to invent stories, stage photographs and obtain fabricated evidence to support false claims of persecution based on sexual orientation .
Responding to the report, Peter Tatchell, director of the Peter Tatchell Foundation, said the charity remained committed to supporting only genuine LGBTQ+ asylum seekers.
“The Peter Tatchell Foundation condemns fake asylum scams and remains committed to supporting only genuine LGBT+ asylum seekers fleeing persecution,” he said. “False claims and the exploitation of LGBTs by organised criminal gangs undermine public confidence in the asylum system. It is damaging to those who have a legitimate claim for refugee status.”
Mr Tatchell said the charity had raised concerns last year after being approached by what it believed was a surge in fraudulent applications.
“Last year, we spoke out after being overwhelmed by a surge in asylum seekers who we believed to be fake,” he said. “We expressed concern that Worcester LGBT+ was not a genuine group but a front for ripping‑off authentic LGBT+ refugees with exorbitant fees and promoting...
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