A major undercover investigation has uncovered a brazen black market for UK visas operating openly on social media, with fraudulent consultants selling skilled worker permits for as little as £12,000.
How the Fraudulent Visa Schemes Operate
The investigation found unregistered advisers on Facebook Marketplace offering illicit packages designed to dupe the Home Office. The schemes involve the use of sham job offers, forged certificates, and contrived payroll records to make applications appear legitimate.
One consultant, Komal Shinde, advertised her 'Krishiv Consultancy Ltd' with promises of "All UK immigration services at lower cost" and a "high success approval rate," despite not being registered with any legal authority. Posing as an Indian student, an undercover reporter was offered skilled worker visas for between £12,000 and £19,000 for roles in restaurants, care, and warehouses, often with no requirement to actually work.
To trick the system, Shinde outlined a fake payroll 'cycle' where an employer would transfer a salary to the migrant's bank account, who would then immediately return the cash. She also offered to help obtain a Global Talent visa—meant for exceptional individuals in fields like science or tech—by creating fake certificates and experience letters for a fee of up to £30,000.
Investment Scams and Exploiting Legal Loopholes
In a separate scheme, businessman Roop Masih, using the name Gill Love, advertised on Facebook with a Union Jack image, offering a 'free' skilled worker visa to anyone who 'invested' £25,000 in his high-street fast-food outlets. He likened the offer to a supermarket 'buy one get one free' deal.
Masih and his partner, Zack, explained that no work was required. They described a similar fraudulent payroll process and boasted of having 'countless' workers via their scheme. They claimed they could provide a Certificate of Sponsorship within a fortnight and connect applicants with solicitors who were 'old hands' at navigating the process.
Alarmingly, the investigation found visas being offered for nursing auxiliary jobs to a film studies graduate with no care experience, posing direct risks to elderly and vulnerable people. This comes despite a government crackdown on care worker visas, suggesting operators are finding new loopholes.
A System in Crisis and Official Response
This black market fuels a migration scandal that genuine recruiters warn dwarfs the small boats crisis. It follows a damning Commons report last summer which found 'widespread' abuse of the skilled worker visa route. The report warned the Home Office has no idea how many of the 1.2 million migrants who have come to the UK on these visas have stayed to work illegally after their permits expired.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: "This is yet another shocking example of Labour’s total loss of border control. These shameless and brazen criminals are making a mockery of our immigration system."
A Home Office spokesman stated: "We are investigating this illegal activity and it will not be tolerated... if anyone is found flouting the rules they can expect the full force of the law to be used." A Meta spokeswoman confirmed the content had been removed for violating policies.
When contacted, Komal Shinde denied selling visas, claiming she merely connected people. Roop Masih did not respond to requests for comment, while his partner Zack denied wrongdoing, stating they only taught people about 'self-sponsorship.'
