Firms help migrants pose as artists and tech experts for 'Global Talent' visas, BBC finds

bbc news Nov 13, 2026 06:10 1 min read 1 reads

Going undercover to expose an elaborate fraud aimed at obtaining fast-track settlement for wealthy migrants.

Man speaks to camera from an office, with framed certificates and awards visible on shelves behind him. — Image caption,
Things would be made to look like our undercover reporter had been an artist for some time, said Peter (pictured)

ByBilly Kenber, politics investigations correspondent and Phil Kemp, politics reporter

Published9 minutes ago

Companies are offering to help migrants pose as talented artists and tech experts to make fraudulent UK visa applications under a fast-track immigration scheme, the BBC has found.

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.