The Home Office has launched an investigation into reports that migrants are purchasing fake jobs to remain in the UK illegally. An investigation by The Times uncovered multiple instances of 'visa agents' offering to help migrants secure false employment records to prove their right to a visa sponsorship.
The newspaper spoke with 26 agents and identified 250 examples of fake jobs being used to support skilled worker visa applications. Migrants were reportedly asked to pay up to £13,000 for falsified documentation, including fake CVs, bank records, and payroll documents, to obtain a certificate of sponsorship from an approved employer.
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 there have been over 100,000 fewer visa applications in 2025.
The skilled worker visa sponsorship scheme, introduced in 2020 under Boris Johnson, allows migrants to live in the UK legally with a certificate of sponsorship. It has been used to fill shortages in occupations like bricklaying and social care. However, the investigation revealed a black market where agents provide fake documents to demonstrate employment that does not exist.
Political opponents criticised the Government's handling of the issue. 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 in 2025, with 85,500 applications, down 36% year on year. Health and care worker visa applications also fell by 51%. The drops are attributed to changes introduced by the Labour Government in summer 2025, including ending overseas recruitment of care workers and raising the minimum salary for skilled workers to £41,700.
