Facebook fixers sell UK visas, undercover investigation finds

An undercover Mail investigation reports people advertising on Facebook have offered to arrange UK visas for migrants for sums from about £12,000, using sham job offers and forged documents. The Home Office says it is investigating and a Commons report found widespread abuse of the skilled worker route and gaps in exit checks.

An undercover Mail investigation found individuals advertising visa services on Facebook Marketplace who offered to arrange UK visas for migrants for prices reported from around £12,000. The report describes claims by those selling the services that they used sham job offers, forged documents and contrived payroll records to support applications. A cross‑party Commons report published previously concluded there was widespread abuse of the skilled worker route and that the Home Office had not analysed exit checks. The Home Office has said it is investigating the activity and warned that wrongdoers would face enforcement. Key findings: - The undercover investigation identified Facebook Marketplace adverts and meetings in which visa services were offered and prices were discussed. - The report describes alleged use of sham job offers and falsified paperwork to support applications for skilled worker and other visa routes. - A Commons Public Accounts Committee report found widespread evidence of abuse in the skilled worker route and noted the absence of analysed exit checks. - The Home Office has launched an investigation into the activity and Meta said it removed content and took action on accounts for policy violations. Summary: The investigation and the Commons report together highlight concerns about abuse of legitimate visa routes and gaps in oversight. The Home Office has opened an investigation; its findings and any resulting enforcement actions are undetermined at this time.