Rogue companies are helping migrants pose as talented artists and tech experts in bid to fraudulently enter UK under Government's 'brightest and best' visa scheme, investigation finds

Detailed summary

Bogus applications are being lodged under the Government's Global Talent visa scheme, the investigation found.

Published: 12:39 GMT, 13 November 2026 | Updated: 12:48 GMT, 13 November 2026

Rogue companies are helping migrants pose as talented artists and tech experts in a bid to fraudulently enter the UK, it was reported today.

Bogus applications are being lodged under the Government’s Global Talent visa scheme, the investigation found, which aims to attract the ‘brightest and best’ scientists and researchers to Britain from around the world.

But the BBC probe found the fast-track scheme, launched in 2020, is being abused by migrants lying about their credentials and experience with the aid of rogue consultants.

The corporation reported the Home Office is now revoking visas issued to two Nigerian men claiming to be fine art photographers, as officials believe they were obtained by deception.

The system appears to be open to abuse because applicants are not interviewed, despite needing to prove they are exceptionally talented or promising in their field to obtain a visa to live and work in Britain.

Successful applicants can bring their families to the UK and there is a potentially quick path to permanent residency within three to five years.

The BBC probe found wealthy migrants looking to cheat the system can buy fake art portfolios which they can pass off as their own work.

A consultant, who gave their name as Peter and said they work for a company called iCareer Consultancy UK, told an undercover BBC reporter that he could make it look as though they had been an artist for some time

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