Key Facts

• Some migrants are pretending to be gay to get asylum protection in the UK, where gay sex is illegal in their home countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh.
• Law firms and advisers have been helping migrants create fake evidence such as letters, photos, and medical reports.
• These migrants often have expired visas, like student or work visas, and are trying to stay legally by making false asylum claims.
• Migrants using this method now make up 35% of all asylum claims, which were over 100,000 in 2025.
• The Home Office is investigating the lawyers and advisers reported by the BBC.
• The Solicitors Regulation Authority said it will take action if any lawyers broke the law.
• Politicians from several parties called for stronger asylum system controls and legal action against those helping with false claims.
• Some MPs suggested stopping the issuing of study visas to people from countries with high visa abuse rates, like Pakistan.