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  1. Home
  2. /News
  3. /Watch: Reporter told to pose as gay for asylum claim
PoliticsBreakingneutral

Watch: Reporter told to pose as gay for asylum claim

BBC NewsApr 155 min readOriginal source →
Watch: Reporter told to pose as gay for asylum claim

TL;DR

A BBC investigation reveals immigration advisers are encouraging migrants to falsely claim to be gay to secure asylum in the UK. One adviser, Tanisa Khan, offered to provide fake evidence for such claims.

Key points

  • Immigration advisers encourage migrants to cheat the asylum system
  • BBC investigation reveals fake claims of being gay for asylum
  • Tanisa Khan offered to provide evidence for false claims
  • Migrants receive fabricated supporting documents
  • Claims are made to avoid returning to Pakistan or Bangladesh

Mentioned in this story

Tanisa KhanUKPakistanBangladesh

Why it matters

The investigation highlights serious ethical concerns about the asylum process and the exploitation of vulnerable migrants.

Watch: Reporter told to pose as gay for asylum claim

Immigration advisers are encouraging migrants to cheat the asylum system, with some helping migrants to pose as gay to get asylum in the UK, a BBC investigation has found.

A BBC reporter, posing as a former student wanting to remain in the UK, met one of those advisers, Tanisa Khan. For a fee, she offered to provide evidence to support the fake claim that he was gay.

Read more on the first part of a major undercover investigation, in which the BBC reveals how migrants whose visas are due to run out are being given fake cover stories and instructed in how to obtain fabricated evidence including supporting letters, photographs and medical reports.

They then apply for asylum claiming to be gay and in fear for their lives if they return to Pakistan or Bangladesh.

In response to our findings, the Home Office said: "Anyone found trying to exploit the system will face the full force of the law, including removal from the UK."

5 hours ago

Home Office

Refugees and asylum seekers


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Q&A

What did the BBC investigation reveal about asylum claims in the UK?

The investigation found that immigration advisers are helping migrants fabricate claims of being gay to obtain asylum.

Who is Tanisa Khan in relation to the asylum claims?

Tanisa Khan is an immigration adviser who offered to provide evidence to support fake claims of being gay for asylum seekers.

How are migrants being instructed to fake their asylum claims?

Migrants are being given fake cover stories and instructed on how to obtain fabricated evidence, including letters and medical reports.

Why are some migrants claiming to be gay for asylum?

They claim to be gay to assert they would face persecution if returned to countries like Pakistan or Bangladesh.

People also ask

  • BBC investigation on asylum claims UK
  • Tanisa Khan immigration adviser asylum
  • how migrants fake gay asylum claims
  • asylum seekers from Pakistan Bangladesh
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At a glance

  • Immigration advisers encourage migrants to cheat the asylum system
  • BBC investigation reveals fake claims of being gay for asylum
  • Tanisa Khan offered to provide evidence for false claims
  • Migrants receive fabricated supporting documents
  • Claims are made to avoid returning to Pakistan or Bangladesh

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