Peter Tatchell condemns 'fake gay' asylum claims after BBC investigation

The Peter Tatchell Foundation has condemned fraudulent asylum claims based on fabricated LGBTQ+ identities, warning that such scams risk undermining protection for those fleeing genuine persecution.

The comments follow a BBC undercover investigation which reported that some migrants had been coached by advisers to falsely claim they are gay in order to secure asylum in the UK. The BBC said its reporters were advised to invent stories, stage photographs and obtain fabricated evidence to support false claims of persecution based on sexual orientation .

Responding to the report, Peter Tatchell, director of the Peter Tatchell Foundation, said the charity remained committed to supporting only genuine LGBTQ+ asylum seekers.

“The Peter Tatchell Foundation condemns fake asylum scams and remains committed to supporting only genuine LGBT+ asylum seekers fleeing persecution,” he said. “False claims and the exploitation of LGBTs by organised criminal gangs undermine public confidence in the asylum system. It is damaging to those who have a legitimate claim for refugee status.”

Mr Tatchell said the charity had raised concerns last year after being approached by what it believed was a surge in fraudulent applications.

“Last year, we spoke out after being overwhelmed by a surge in asylum seekers who we believed to be fake,” he said. “We expressed concern that Worcester LGBT+ was not a genuine group but a front for ripping‑off authentic LGBT+ refugees with exorbitant fees and promoting fake asylum claims by people who are straight.”

The BBC investigation alleged that some advisers charged thousands of pounds to help migrants whose visas were nearing expiry to lodge claims based on false assertions of sexual orientation, raising concerns about organised exploitation of the asylum process .

Mr Tatchell said the findings reflected longstanding warnings from campaigners and underlined the need for effective safeguards.

“We recognise many of the issues highlighted in today’s BBC report,” he said. “It underlines the urgent need for robust, fair and effective processes to ensure that only genuine LGBTs secure asylum.”

He added that the UK Government must act against criminal networks exploiting the system while ensuring legitimate claims continue to receive protection.

“The UK Government must act decisively to tackle criminal networks and individuals exploiting the asylum system, while ensuring that those in genuine need are identified quickly and given the protection they deserve,” Mr Tatchell said.

He warned that fraudulent claims must not be allowed to damage the asylum prospects of those facing real danger.

“Our priority has always been those facing real danger because of their sexuality or gender identity,” he said. “The Home Office must not allow fraudulent claims to weaken its resolve to give asylum to LGBTs who have suffered, or are at risk of, arrest, imprisonment, torture and the failure of police in their home countries to protect them from mob violence and attempted murder.”

Mr Tatchell said safeguarding the integrity of the asylum system was essential both for public trust and for protecting victims of homophobic persecution.

“Safeguarding the integrity of the asylum system is essential to maintaining public trust and, most importantly, to ensuring that real victims of homophobic persecution are not overlooked or refused a safe haven,” he said.

The Home Office has previously said it has safeguards in place to detect fraudulent claims and that anyone attempting to abuse the asylum system may face removal from the UK, while stressing that protection remains available for those with genuine fears of persecution.