The UK Government has launched an investigation following a report by the BBC alleging that some migrants are being advised to make false claims about their sexual orientation or domestic abuse status to remain in the country.
According to Downing Street, there are “robust safeguards” in place to ensure claims are “rigorously and fairly assessed.”
The prime minister’s spokesman added that the Home Office and the Immigration Advice Authority were working together to ensure “anyone potentially abusing our immigration system is held accountable”.
Opposition parties have since called for sweeping reforms to the asylum system to curb fraudulent claims.
The investigation revealed that migrants whose visas are nearing expiry are allegedly being coached with fabricated cover stories and guided on how to obtain false supporting evidence, including letters, photographs, and medical reports. In some cases, law firms and advisers are said to be charging thousands of pounds to help migrants claim they are gay and at risk if returned to countries such as Pakistan or Bangladesh, enabling them to apply for asylum.
The report also found that some individuals are exploiting provisions designed to protect genuine victims of domestic abuse, which allow faster access to permanent residency. In certain instances, migrants were said to have entered relationships or marriages with British partners before making false abuse claims after arriving in the UK.
According to the findings, the number of...
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