Exposing the Visa Scam: How Fraudulent Applications Are Undermining UK Immigration

An increasing number of Pakistani migrants are entering the United Kingdom through a visa scam, exploiting weaknesses in the Home Office’s verification system. Fake employment letters, CVs and bank statements are being used to support visa claims, often prepared by so-called immigration consultants who charge up to £50,000 for their services.

Despite being filled with grammatical errors and factual inconsistencies, many of these applications are being approved, allowing individuals to enter the UK legally under work or student visas.

One investigation revealed a bogus reference letter claiming a woman worked at a hospital that had closed years ago. The letter, containing phrases like “record of vital signs in takes outputs empty drains,” was poorly written and clearly fake. Yet, this was enough for the applicant to be granted a skilled worker visa.

Visa agents in Pakistan, particularly in Mirpur, are producing such documents regularly, offering packages that include fake CVs, false job references and counterfeit bank statements.

Migrants using these services often arrive legally and then claim asylum before their visa expires. Under current UK law, those who claim asylum after entering on a valid work visa are allowed to work while their asylum application is being processed.

This loophole offers a strong incentive to misuse the system. As solicitor Harjap Bhangal explained: “They’re told: just get on a plane, get through immigration and then claim asylum. And more often than not, it works.” (The Telegraph)

In 2024 alone, Pakistanis filed more than 10,500 asylum applications in the UK, more than any other nationality. Interestingly, they are not among the top ten arriving by small boats, further suggesting that many gain entry through visa fraud rather than irregular routes. Consultants boast success rates as high as 98%, often advertising their services openly on social media.

While the UK Government has recently tightened immigration requirements, such as increasing salary thresholds and requiring degrees for certain roles, these changes may not be enough. The core issue lies in the lack of robust document verification and weak enforcement.

Immigration experts are calling for better oversight of visa sponsors, digital verification systems and stronger international collaboration to detect fraudulent claims before entry is granted.

Unless swift action is taken, the UK risks further erosion of trust in its immigration system. The current model favours those who exploit the system through a visa scam while disadvantaging genuine applicants. Tackling this growing problem requires more than just new rules, it demands a complete overhaul of how visa applications are verified and enforced.

With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Morgan Smith Immigration is your trusted partner for all your immigration needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with UK Visa Applications. For any enquiries or assistance, call us at 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].