Migrants Offered Help to Fake Artworks to Gain UK 'Talent' Visas - BBC Investigation
The BBC found consultancies could fabricate press coverage and awards, while applications in the arts category nearly doubled to 6,600 in 2025.
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5 Articles
Migrants offered £100,000 fake portfolios to cheat fast-track UK visa scheme in major immigration scandal
A new investigation has exposed firms offering to help migrants fraudulently secure UK Global Talent visas by fabricating artistic credentials and tech expertise. An undercover probe found abuse of the fast-track immigration route, which was introduced in 2020 to attract leading scientists, researchers and creative professionals to Britain.An undercover reporter was offered a comprehensive package costing more than £100,000 by a London-based con…
A consultant who met with the undercover reporter explained that they could help clients without an art background obtain talent visas by arranging artworks produced in China, exhibitions, and press coverage. Two Nigerians who obtained visas with forged documents are having their visas revoked; the ministry announced that the company offering the package is already under investigation.
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