UK to Act Against ‘Sham Lawyers’ Accused of Exploiting Asylum Claims

The UK government has pledged to take action against legal advisers accused of helping migrants submit false asylum claims, following an investigation that uncovered alleged abuse of the system.

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Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said lawyers found to be facilitating fraudulent applications would “face the full force of the law”. Her comments came after a report revealed that some migrants were being encouraged to falsely claim they were gay in order to secure asylum in the UK.

Officials at the Home Office have begun investigating individuals highlighted in the report as part of a wider probe into what they say is a growing pattern of fabricated claims based on sexual orientation.

The asylum system allows protection for people who cannot safely return to their home countries due to persecution. In countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, same-sex relations are illegal, meaning people who identify as gay can face serious risks.

However, the investigation found that some migrants whose visas were about to expire were allegedly being coached to fabricate stories about their sexuality. According to the findings, advisers charged thousands of pounds to provide prepared narratives and help applicants gather supporting materials such as letters, photographs and medical documentation.

Many of the applicants were said to be individuals whose student, work or tourist visas had expired, rather than migrants arriving through irregular routes such as small boats.

Investigation and regulatory response

Regulators have begun reviewing the allegations.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) said it was urgently examining the law firms mentioned in the report. Jonathan Peddie, the SRA’s executive director of investigations, enforcement and litigation, said the regulator would act if lawyers were found to have breached their duty to operate lawfully.

The Immigration Advice Authority also said it was assessing the evidence and would pursue action against anyone providing immigration advice illegally.

Mahmood warned that anyone attempting to defraud the system could have their asylum claims rejected and face removal from the country. She added that individuals exploiting protections intended for people fleeing persecution were acting in a way that was “beyond contempt”.

Political reactions

The issue has prompted responses across the political spectrum.

Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the findings exposed what he described as “the scam at the heart of many asylum claims” and argued that those involved should face prosecution for immigration fraud.

Liberal Democrat immigration spokesman Will Forster called the allegations “abhorrent” and said the government must determine how widespread the problem was.

Labour MP Jo White suggested the Home Office should consider restricting study visas for applicants from Pakistan, similar to a recent decision affecting people from several other countries where officials said visa abuse had been identified.

Meanwhile, the opposition party Reform UK said it would criminalise facilitating false asylum claims if it came to power, proposing penalties of up to two years in prison. Its home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf also said the party would remove legal aid for asylum applications from people who entered the country illegally or overstayed visas.

Concerns from advocacy groups

LGBT and refugee organisations said fraudulent cases risk undermining the credibility of genuine asylum claims.

Aderonke Apata, founder of the African Rainbow Family charity, said she was “appalled” by the findings, warning that they could make it harder for genuine LGBT asylum seekers to prove their cases.

Campaigner Peter Tatchell said most asylum claims based on sexual orientation were legitimate and subject to strict assessment, though he noted his organisation had received a surge of requests from people in Pakistan seeking recommendation letters.

Imran Hussain of the Refugee Council said it was unacceptable for advisers to exploit vulnerable people for profit, stressing that many LGBT refugees fleeing countries such as Pakistan or Uganda faced imprisonment, violence or abuse.

He added that wrongdoing by advisers should not undermine the credibility of people with genuine protection needs.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 16 April 2026