Fraudulent asylum applications in the United Kingdom reveal organisations systematically misusing the asylum system

Priority question for written answer P-001600/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Mary Khan (ESN)

A recent BBC investigation has uncovered a highly concerning shadow industry of law firms and consultants in the UK that appears to consistently charge thousands of pounds to help migrants make bogus asylum applications by falsely claiming that they are gay.[1] Fraudulent asylum applications are also lodged on the basis of false assertions of religious affiliation. These developments reveal serious structural weaknesses and significant potential for abuse in the asylum system.

• 1.Is the Commission aware of similar practices taking place in Germany or other Member States? If so, what specific findings are available?
• 2.Has the Commission provided direct or indirect financial support to organisations or structures that have been proven to help make fraudulent asylum applications or are under investigation on suspicion of doing so?
• 3.What specific measures are in place to detect, monitor and sanction organisations that have been found to help with fraudulent asylum applications? What guarantees are in place to ensure those measures are consistently applied?

Submitted: 20.4.2026

• [1] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c86eew6jpjgo.