Mahmood promises action against ‘sham lawyers’ abusing asylum system

Home Secretary Pledges Legal Action Against Exploitative Asylum Advisors

Following a BBC investigation, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has vowed to hold accountable “sham lawyers” who assist migrants in manipulating the UK’s asylum system. The inquiry exposed how certain legal firms and advisers charge substantial fees to help individuals fabricate stories of being gay, thereby securing residency. This practice has raised concerns about the integrity of the process, as the Home Office delves into cases highlighted by the report.

The asylum system, designed to protect those facing persecution in their home countries, is now being leveraged by migrants whose visas have expired. These individuals are coached to create false narratives and obtain fabricated evidence, such as letters, photographs, and medical documents, to support claims of fear for their lives if sent back to Pakistan or Bangladesh. The BBC’s findings indicate that 35% of all asylum applications now stem from this group, with totals surpassing 100,000 in 2025.

“Anyone exploiting protections for those fleeing persecution due to gender or sexual orientation is beyond contempt,” said Mahmood. “Those attempting to defraud the British public for entry or stay will see their claims rejected, support severed, and face deportation.”

Legal professionals involved in these schemes are under scrutiny by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which is swiftly reviewing firms linked to the BBC’s report. Jonathan Peddie, the SRA’s executive director, emphasized that any breach of legal duty would result in swift measures. Similarly, the Immigration Advice Authority is examining the evidence to identify and penalize advisors offering unlawful services.

Political leaders have responded with calls for systemic reform. Labour MP Jo White urged the Home Office to restrict study visas for people from Pakistan, following similar actions against other countries. Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp labeled the investigation as uncovering a “scam at the heart of many asylum claims,” advocating for prosecution of those involved in immigration fraud.

Liberal Democrat spokesman Will Forster condemned the situation as “abhorrent,” emphasizing the need for a “fair, controlled, and efficient” system. He urged immediate government action to assess the scale of the problem. Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf accused the Tories of creating a “broken asylum system” with loopholes exploited by politically motivated lawyers.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski criticized the government for “inconsistent policies” that incentivize unscrupulous businesses to capitalize on the system. Meanwhile, Aderonke Apata, founder of the African Rainbow Family charity, shared her experience of being granted asylum as a lesbian in Nigeria, where she faced the death penalty. She expressed dismay at the BBC’s revelations, stating, “It dismisses the real struggle we face as a community.”