Legal advisers help migrants pose as gay to get asylum, undercover BBC investigation finds

Legal Advisers Facilitate Gay Pretense for Asylum, BBC Uncover

The BBC has uncovered a covert network of legal professionals and immigration advisers who charge substantial fees to aid migrants in fabricating gay identities in pursuit of asylum. This practice is increasingly being used by individuals whose visas are about to expire, rather than those arriving via irregular routes.

Asylum Claims Rise Amid Exploitation

The UK’s asylum system provides refuge to those unable to return home due to fear of persecution. However, a BBC investigation reveals that this process is being manipulated by legal advisers extracting payments from migrants seeking to remain in the country. Approximately 35% of asylum applications now stem from people with expired student, work, or tourist visas, with total claims surpassing 100,000 in 2025.

Following initial leads, including informant tips, BBC reporters infiltrated the operation by posing as international students from Pakistan and Bangladesh. They discovered that individuals in this situation are being guided through the creation of false narratives and falsified evidence, such as letters, photographs, and medical documents.

Beckton Community Centre as Hub for Deception

In a subdued area of Beckton, east London, over 175 attendees gathered at a community centre for a meeting organized by Worcester LGBT, a group that labels itself as a support network for gay and lesbian asylum seekers. While the website promises inclusion for genuine applicants, the men exiting the event quickly admitted to the undercover reporter that the reality was different.

“Most of the people here are not gays,” stated Fahar. “Nobody is a gay here. Not even 1% are gay. Not even 0.01% are gay,” added Zeeshan.

The undercover reporter’s journey began in late February when they contacted Mazedul Hasan Shakil, a paralegal at Law & Justice Solicitors in Birmingham and London. Shakil also founded Worcester LGBT and previously used the group’s website to promote his legal services. During a brief call, he confirmed that asylum claims required proof of persecution, yet the reporter was soon directed to Tanisa Khan, an adviser linked to the organization.

Home Office Response to Exploitation

The Home Office emphasized that those attempting to manipulate the system would face legal consequences, including deportation. Tanisa, who spoke to the reporter in Urdu, outlined the process for claiming asylum under the “gay case” or “same sex” category. She insisted the applicant would need to memorize a fabricated story for their interview, stating, “At the moment there is only one route from where you can get a visa and it is open… it is the asylum visa… it is on human rights.”

The meeting took place at Tanisa’s residence in east London, not the firm’s office. She detailed the steps required to navigate the system, underscoring the necessity of preparation. “You are the one who has to go and take the exam. I am here to prepare everything for you but ultimately it is you who has to go there,” she explained.