The Home Office has launched an investigation into reports that migrants are purchasing fake jobs to secure visas and remain in the UK illegally. The probe follows an investigation by The Times, which uncovered multiple instances of 'visa agents' offering to falsify employment records.
The Times reported speaking with 26 agents and identifying 250 examples of fake jobs being used to support skilled worker visa applications. Migrants were allegedly charged up to £13,000 for falsified documentation, including fake CVs, bank records, and payroll documents, to obtain certificates of sponsorship from approved employers.
A Government spokesperson said: 'We are investigating this illegal activity and it will not be tolerated. We will do whatever it takes to secure our borders and cut the levels of migration.' The spokesperson noted that skilled worker refusal rates have increased substantially and that visa applications have fallen by over 100,000 in 2025.
The skilled worker visa scheme, introduced in 2020 under Boris Johnson, allows migrants to live in the UK legally with a certificate of sponsorship from an approved employer. It was designed to fill vacancies in shortage occupations such as bricklaying and social care. However, the investigation revealed a black market where agents and middlemen provide fake evidence of employment.
Political opponents criticised the Government's handling of immigration. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'This shocking investigation shows that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has no control over our immigration system.' A Reform UK spokesman added: 'This scandal exposes a complete breakdown in border and immigration enforcement under successive governments.'
Data released in January showed a sharp decline in skilled worker visa applications, down 36% year-on-year to 85,500. Health and care worker visa applications also fell by over half. The drops are attributed to Labour Government changes introduced in summer 2025, including ending overseas recruitment of care workers and raising the minimum salary for skilled workers to £41,700.
