Firms help migrants pose as artists and tech experts for 'Global Talent' visas, BBC finds
Summary
Companies have offered migrants fabricated evidence to support applications for the UK’s Global Talent visa, including fake art portfolios, awards and media coverage. The Home Office is revoking visas granted to two Nigerian men over suspected deception and says it is investigating a company that offered an application package costing more than £100,000.Key Facts
- The UK launched the Global Talent visa in 2020 to attract scientists, researchers and creative artists.
- Applicants must show exceptional talent or promise, and they do not have visa interviews.
- Successful applicants can bring family members to the UK and may qualify for permanent residency after three or five years.
- A London consultancy offered to provide artwork made in China and arrange exhibitions, press coverage and recommendation letters for an application.
- The consultancy's representative said a fully inclusive package cost more than £100,000 and claimed no clients who bought it had been refused a visa.
- The Home Office is revoking visas issued to two Nigerian men who said they were fine art photographers, citing suspected deception.
- A woman from India said a company fabricated evidence for her technology-route application, including a mentoring award and claims that she had spoken at an event; her application was rejected.
- The Home Office said the visa route is under review and that it is investigating the company that offered the expensive package.
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