Private firms have been caught selling counterfeit materials to assist wealthy migrants in securing fast-track immigration to the UK. These illicit businesses offer fake portfolios and awards for substantial fees, allowing applicants to dishonestly pose as skilled artists or technology specialists. The operation bypasses strict requirements originally created for the government's Global Talent visa, which launched in 2020 to attract top scientific, research, and creative leaders.
Key points
The UK fast-track talent immigration system is being actively targeted by companies selli…: The UK fast-track talent immigration system is being actively targeted by companies selling fraudulent credential services.
Wealthy migrants are paying substantial fees to pass off fabricated artwork and awards as…: Wealthy migrants are paying substantial fees to pass off fabricated artwork and awards as their own legitimate work.
The scheme undermines a government initiative intended to attract the world's leading res…: The scheme undermines a government initiative intended to attract the world's leading researchers, scientists, and creative professionals.
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BBC undercover reporter is offered fake art and awards for talent visa
A BBC undercover investigation into abuse of a fast-track UK immigration scheme has found companies offering to help migrants pose as talented artists and tech experts to make fraudulent visa applications.
The UK government's Global Talent visa was launched in 2020 to attract the "brightest and best" scientists and researchers from around the world. It is also open to creative artists.
We found one company offering fake art portfolios to wealthy migrants looking to cheat the system - for a large fee - which could be passed off as their own work.
Our political investigations correspondent Billy Kenber reports.
Read more on this story: Firm offers to fake artworks for wealthy migrants seeking UK 'talent' visas - BBC investigation
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